Argentine legend Lionel Messi, the Inter Miami star, is competing with Jude Bellingham, the Real Madrid star, and Erling Haaland, the Manchester City striker, to obtain the prestigious awards at the 25th Laureus World Sports Awards. Inter Miami star Messi, who has eight Ballon d'Or awards, is competing for the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year Award, an honor previously given to him in 2023. Manchester City striker Erling Haaland, who won the historic treble, is also competing for the award and said: “Last year was a very special year for me.” For us, I and the whole team could not have scored so many goals without my amazing teammates, coaches and staff at the club, and without them the success would not have been possible. I am really proud to be nominated for the Laureus Award.” City - who won the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League last season - are in the running for the Laureus Award for the best team in the world, with manager Pep Guardiola saying: “We are really proud to have nominated our club for the Laureus Award.” Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham is among the candidates for the Laureus Player of the Year award, after the 20-year-old England international joined Real Madrid and excelled greatly. The glitzy Laureus World Sports Awards ceremony will be held in Madrid on April 22 and other names in the star-studded line-up include Novak Djokovic, Aitana Bonmatti, Shakari Richardson, Max Verstappen, Shareka Jackson and Simone Biles nominated across several categories.