Lionel Messi of Argentina lifts the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Winner’s Trophy after the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Final match between Argentina and France at Lusail Stadium
(Picture: Getty Images)Lionel Messi has been named the World Sports Star of 2022 by the BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards.
Sunday’s World Cup final saw the Argentine star, 35, cap a fine tournament in which he scored seven goals and finally won the globe’s top sporting crown for the first time.
Messi, who also won the Ligue 1 title with Paris Saint-Germain, is set to celebrate his country’s triumph in a parade across Buenos Aires on Tuesday afternoon.
Ahead of lifting the trophy in Qatar, the forward won his second Golden Ball for the best player at the World Cup having also taken the accolade in 2014, when Argentina lost in the final.
Previous recipients of the World Sports Star award include Roger Federer, who has won it four times, Shane Warne and Tiger Woods.
Usain Bolt, a three-time recipient of the gong, has already been announced as the winner of the Lifetime Achievement award for 2022.
The BBC will announce the shortlist for the main Sports Personality of the Year award on Tuesday ahead of this week’s ceremony.
