Novak Djokovic Wins Laureus Award Over Lionel Messi: A Friendly Encounter in Miami

Djokovic and Messi’s meeting in Miami: they have a friendly relationship

At a gala held at the Real Casa de Correos in Madrid, the Laureus awards, known as the “Oscars of sport,” were presented. The thing is that, unlike other awards, those who define those recognized are the members of the Laureus World Sports Academy, among whom are, to mention a few, the former footballers Luis Figo, Ruud Gullit and Alessandro del Piero, the gymnastics Nadia Comaneci, the tennis players Boris Becker and Martina Navratilova or the cyclist Miguel Indurain. In this edition, the one who won the scepter for best male athlete was Novak Djokovic, who outbid the nominees Lionel Messi, last year’s winner, Erling Haaland, Manchester City star, the athletes Mondo Duplantis and Noah Lyles, and the driver and three-time Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen.

Nole, 36, was chosen because “last year he won titles at the Australian Open, French Open and US Open, to reach an impressive career tally of 24 Grand Slam singles triumphs.” Thus, he won his fifth Laureus in his career (he had already obtained it in 2012, 2015, 2016, 2019). Messi, who defended the statuette although he could not travel to Spain due to scheduling issues (he is working with Inter Miami ahead of Saturday’s duel against New England Revolution for the MLS), added it to his showcase in 2020 and 2023.

Djokovic thanked all the participants of the party, highlighting the names of his colleagues (Carlos Alcaraz, Rafa Nadal and Navratilova, among others), and the support of his team and his family. “There is a lot to come,” he warned, raising his guard in a year in which he has not yet reached his best level.

This is how Laureus presented the decision

At the gala, which was attended by celebrities from the world of sports such as Usain Bolt, a renowned Real Madrid fan, to the point that he was moved to meet Jude Bellinghem, anointed as the “revelation of the year”, Rodrigo De Paul was also present. representing Atlético de Madrid. World and American champion with the Argentine team, the midfielder attracted attention for his look, with a suit with a bow and his hair combed with gel tightly back.

“In general terms it has been a great season, reaching the semifinals of the Copa del Rey, reaching the quarterfinals in the Champions League, we qualified for the Club World Cup, and for it to be a great year we have to qualify for the next Champions League.” , said the former Racing before the Marca camera.

Rodrigo De Paul’s look at the Laureus Awards gala

LIST OF WINNERS OF THE LAUREUS 2024

LAUREUS AWARD FOR WORLD SPORTSMAN OF THE YEAR: Novak Djokovic

LAUREUS AWARD TO WORLD SPORTSMAN OF THE YEAR: Aitana Bonmatí

LAUREUS AWARD FOR WORLD TEAM OF THE YEAR: Spanish women’s soccer team

LAUREUS AWARD FOR WORLD NEWSLETTER OF THE YEAR: Jude Bellingham

LAUREUS AWARD FOR BEST WORLD RETURN OF THE YEAR: Simone Biles

LAUREUS AWARD FOR WORLD DISABLED ATHLETE OF THE YEAR: Diede de Groot

LAUREUS AWARD FOR WORLD ACTION SPORTSMAN OF THE YEAR: Arisa Trew

LAUREUS SPORT FOR GOOD AWARD: Fundación Rafa Nadal

Bellingham, revelation at the Laureus galaDjokovic was accompanied by his wife Jelena at the gala (REUTERS/Violeta Santos Moura)
2024-04-22 20:10:23
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