The Argentine and his country were honoured at this year's ceremony.

Lionel Messi and his World Cup-winning Argentina achieved a double win by being named Sportsman and Team of the Year at the Laureus World Sports Awards. The two were honored at Monday night's award ceremony held in Paris.

Just hours before the event, news broke that Lionel Messi had returned to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) following a club suspension. Despite the controversy, the former Barcelona star was in high spirits as he accepted the accolade for himself and on behalf of his country. The 35-year-old footballer has had an incredible career so far, and this latest recognition only adds to his long list of accomplishments.

Another notable award winner at the event was Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, who won the sportswoman of the year award. Fraser-Pryce won the 100m gold medal at the World Athletics Championships, cementing her status as one of the greatest athletes in the world. Meanwhile, Christian Eriksen, the Manchester United and Denmark footballer, won a special comeback award after returning to the game following a cardiac arrest.

Listen to the incredible words of @ManUtd's @ChrisEriksen8 - 2023 Laureus World Comeback of the Year Award winner.#Laureus23 pic.twitter.com/QsdQnR6Tfz

— Laureus (@LaureusSport) May 8, 2023

The Laureus World Sports Awards are considered one of the most prestigious events in the sporting world. The awards recognise the achievements of the best athletes from around the globe and are voted on by a panel of former sports stars.

In his acceptance speech, Messi expressed his apprrciation and thanked his teammate for the feat they  accomplished together. He said: "This is a special honour," said Paris St-Germain forward Messi, 35. "Particularly as the Laureus World Sports Awards are in Paris this year, the city that has welcomed my family since we came here in 2021.  

"I want to thank all my team-mates, not only from the national team but also at PSG - I have achieved none of this alone and I am grateful to be able to share everything with them."

Here is the full list of all the award recipients: 

  • Laureus World Sportsman of the Year award: Lionel Messi

  • Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year award: Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce

  • Laureus World Team of the Year award: Argentina men's football team

  • Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year award: Carlos Alcaraz

  • Laureus World Comeback of the Year award: Christian Eriksen

  • Laureus World Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability award: Catherine Debrunner

  • Laureus World Action Sportsperson of the Year award: Eileen Gu

  • Laureus Sport for Good award: TeamUp (A programme for children displaced by war by Barcelona and Poland striker Robert Lewandowski).