Messi Hamilton Simone Biles Win Sports Persons Of The Year

Messi the first footballer, but he had to share

Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton and Football superstar Lionel Messi shared the Laureus sportsman of the year award.

US gymnastics star Simone Biles won the Laureus Sportswoman of the Year for the third time.

German F3 driver Sophia Floersch bagged the award for Comeback of the Year for racing once again at the Macau Grand Prix last November, a year after a horrific crash on the same circuit left her with a spinal fracture.

German Basketball star German Dirk Nowitzki, who retired last year after a NBA career with the Dallas Mavericks that spanned over 21 years, was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award.

The Laureus Sport for Good charity hosts the awards each year, which often focus on sport’s impact on society.

Other winners on the night in Berlin:

Team of the Year: South Africa Men’s Rugby Team

Breakthrough of the Year: Egan Bernal (cyclist)

Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability: Oksana Masters

Action Sportsperson of the Year: Chloe Kim (snowboarder)

Laureus Academy Exceptional Achievement Award: Spanish Basketball Federation

Laureus Sport for Good Award: South Bronx United (football)