via Imago
FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – SEPTEMBER 20: Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi 10 looks at a teammate after a failed scoring opportunity during the match between Toronto FC and Inter Miami CF at DRV PNK Stadium, Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Photo by Peter Joneleit/Icon Sportswire SOCCER: SEP 20 MLS, Fussball Herren, USA – Inter Miami CF vs Toronto FC EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon230920050
via Imago
FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – SEPTEMBER 20: Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi 10 looks at a teammate after a failed scoring opportunity during the match between Toronto FC and Inter Miami CF at DRV PNK Stadium, Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Photo by Peter Joneleit/Icon Sportswire SOCCER: SEP 20 MLS, Fussball Herren, USA – Inter Miami CF vs Toronto FC EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon230920050
The epic triumph of Argentina last year in the FIFA World Cup has led to Lionel Messi being the most obvious to win top accolades. Hence, ahead of a major South American award ceremony, the fans expected him to win it. However, a Tokyo Olympics gold medallist has been picked ahead of the Argentinian to bag the award for his performance in 2023.
Undoubtedly, the award shows how good a year the Olympian has had to finish ahead of World Champion Lionel Messi.
Lionel Messi finishes behind Olympic winner in the race for a major South American award
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The Prensa Latina, the biggest media agency in Cuba, organized awards to honor the best athletes in 2023. With the World Cup and a magnificent year he had, Lionel Messi was one of the nominees for the award. However, the jury announced that the Tokyo Olympics gold medal winner Luis Orta for the top spot. He was announced the winner because of his outstanding performances in the Greco-Roman style wrestling this year.
USA Today via Reuters
Oct 7, 2023; Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA; Inter Miami CF forward Lionel Messi (10) warms up on the sideline against FC Cincinnati during the second half at DRV PNK Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
The Cuban wrestler is having one of the best seasons of his career. He has participated in 20 matches this season. He only lost 2 of those fights. Orta fought in a total of 5 tournaments. He was the winner in all of those tournaments. This year against his various opponents, he won a total of 123 points and conceded only 38 points. In his 67kg category, he finished the year on No. 1 ranking with a total of 86400 points. This shows how the Cuban wrestler has dominated the Greco-Roman wrestling category this year.
Read More:- Lionel Messi’s World Cup Victory Divided Brazil, Claims Paulo Silas
There is no doubt that the award will be even sweeter for the 29-year-old wrestler, as his prowess was picked over a legend. Be that as it may, just a few days ago, Lionel Messi did win another notable award in his country, and created a record.
The Argentinian forward created a new record as he got another important award
It was announced, a few days earlier that Lionel Messi won the prestigious Olimpia de Oro Award given by the Circle of Sports Journalists (CPD). He was given the award for bringing the FIFA World Cup to the country and also winning his 8th Ballon d’Or this year.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
#PremiosOlimpia | El Olimpia de Oro es para… ¡BELÉN CASETTA Y LIONEL MESSI!
Viví los Premios Olimpia 2023 en la pantalla de Fox Sports. pic.twitter.com/LsnfuhtB6I
— Fox Sports Argentina (@FOXSportsArg) December 20, 2023
With the win in 2023, Lionel Messi is now propelled into an exclusive realm of his own. He is now the only athlete in history to claim the coveted title four times. He won the award along with Argentine athlete, Bethlehem Casetta, an Olympic runner.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
WATCH THIS STORY: Cristiano Jr’s Insane Training Schedule
However, there are so many more honors left to come in La Pulga’s path as in the year 2024, Messi will have the opportunity to retain the Copa America trophy with the national team.
