Americas News
Messi "proud" of first time as Argentine sportsman of the year
Dec 21, 2011, 17:20 GMT
Buenos Aires - Football superstar Lioner Messi said Wednesday that he was 'proud' to have been distinguished as the Argentine sportsperson of the year, for the first time.
'I am happy and proud about the award. Thank God I got prizes in many parts of the world, but I hadn't got one here in Argentina, so I am very happy,' Messi said as he arrived in Buenos Aires.
He was awarded the Olmpia de Oro 2011 late Tuesday. The FIFA Footballer of the Year 2009 and 2010 had on each of those years been beaten at home by tennis player Juan Martin del Potro and field hockey player Luciana Aymar.
Messi said he was happy about the way 2011 had turned out for him.
'It was very good at the personal level, and it ended in spectacular fashion at the FIFA Club World Cup,' he said.
Messi won the FIFA Club World Cup Sunday with Barcelona in Japan. It was their fifth title of the year, after La Liga, the UEFA Champions League, the European Supercup and the Spanish Supercup.
'Now, I am here to enjoy the holidays and my family,' he said.
Immediately after landing in Buenos Aires, Messi left for his native Rosario, where he was to spend Christmas and the New Year.
Read more about Messi
COMMENT
blog comments powered by DisqusLatest Headlines in Americas
- 1. Mexico drug lord Arellano gets 25 years in US prison
- 2. Drug violence not just Mexican problem, North American leaders say
- 3. Mexico drug lord Arellano sentenced to 25 years in US prison
- 4. Pope Cuba Visit Pictures
- 5. Pope thanks Mexico for "unforgettable experiences"
Older Talkback
