Messi Crowned BBC Sports Personality for 2022 After World Cup Triumph

• Lionel Messi has added another crown to his cabinet just hours after winning the World Cup
• The PSG ace has been named the winner of the BBC Sports Personality of the Year for 2022
• Messi played a central role in Argentina's World Cup campaign in Qatar, netting seven times

Paris Saint-Germain superstar Lionel Messi has been crowned the winner of the BBC Sports Personality of the Year for 2022.

Messi picked up the prestigious award just hours after helping Argentina win the 2022 edition of the World Cup in Qatar.

The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner was pivotal in Argentina's World Cup campaign as he scored seven goals during the tournament.

These include a brace he scored on Sunday during the final to help his side win the title for the first time since 1986.

Usain Bolt declares support for Argentina ahead of World Cup final

Football

According to BBC, the Barcelona icon is widely acknowledged as one of the greatest footballers of all time, with the World Cup triumph cementing his legacy in the game.

The broadcaster's annual prize is presented to the athlete who achieved the most notable sporting success on the global stage during the year under review.

Messi hits 400 million followers

Elswhere, Messi has witnessed steady growth in his social media audience after helping Argentina win the World Cup in Qatar.

Before the tournament kicked off, the veteran striker had slightly over 350 million followers on Instagram, but has since amassed 403 million fans.

However, he still has some way to go before he can catch up with his football nemesis Cristiano Ronaldo, who has more than 500 million followers on the app.

Maradona is above Messi

Sports Brief earlier reported that Messi's World Cup glory in Qatar is still not enough for him to eclipse Diego Maradona as his country's greatest ever, according to Javier Zanetti.

Messi wins Golden Ball for best player at World Cup

Football

Messi was pivotal for Argentina in the South American country's World Cup campaign, scoring seven goals during the tournament.

Beating France ended a 36-year drought for La Albiceleste, who last won the ultimate prize in 1986 thanks to the legendary Maradona.