Lionel Messi breaks another record - first footballer to win Laureus award [PHOTOS]

Barcelona star Lionel Messi [COURTESY]

Lionel Messi broke another World record after becoming the first footballer to win the Laureus Sportsman of the Year Award.

"I am honoured to be the first to win this award being a sportsperson coming from a team sport," said an elated Messi.

The Argentinian tied on top spot with six-time Formula One reigning world champion Lewis Hamilton after garnering the same amount of votes.

“I would like to thank the academy for giving me this recognition. The truth is that this is very important and special award,” added Messi.

The Argentinian tied on top spot with six-time Formula One reigning world champion Lewis Hamilton [COURTESY]

On the other hand, Hamilton said, “This is such an incredible honour. To see all those greats that I’ve followed, have been inspired by, to be among all of you tonight, not only young rising stars but legends. I’ve watched so many of you and I’ve been inspired by you.”

This is the first time in the Laureus award 20-year history that the award has been shared.

Both Messi and Hamilton have six world championships and six Ballon d'Ors between them.

The 35 year-old reigning F1 world champion is looking to land a record seventh title, with the Barcelona's ace claiming a sixth Ballon d'Or trophy last year ahead of longtime rival Cristiano Ronaldo.

Nevertheless, Hamilton surpassed Juan Manuel Fangio’s record in 2017 and could break Michael Schumacher’s record who holds seven world titles.

The Argentine star won the Laureus Sportsman of the Year award after an impressive 2018/19 season. Messi won the Best FIFA Men's Player 2019 for the sixth time, tenth La Liga title as well as scoring 50 goals from 58 games for both his club and country.

On becoming the first footballer to win the Laureus Sportsman of the Year award, football fanatics and a section of Messi’s fanbase took to social media to congratulate the ‘GOAT’.

The 20th anniversary Laureus World Sports Awards took place in Berlin on Monday night, honouring the greatest sporting triumphs of 2019 and celebrating the power of sport in transforming the lives of millions of young people.