Virat Kohli has been named the Pubity Men’s Sports Athlete of the Year, ahead of Lionel Messi. The Indian batter claimed 78% of over 600,000 votes, surging ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup winner who couldn’t quite hit the same heights as the year before.Â
On the other hand, Kohli had a historic 2023, breaking the record for the most ODI centuries with 50 to his name. He achieved the feat in the ICC World Cup, scoring 765 runs in 11 games, as India finished as finalists behind Australia. Across all formats, the RCB captain scored 2048 runs in 35 matches – the second highest in the world.
Virat Kohli named Pubity Men’s Sports Athlete of the Year 2023Â
Messi lifted the Ligue 1 trophy with PSG at the end of the 2022/23 season, and went on to sign for Inter Miami in the summer. While he couldn’t help them qualify for the playoffs, he did guide them to their first ever trophy in the form of the Leagues Cup.
The Argentine skipper revealed that he wants to move away from the spotlight that European football brings with it. And his decision to play in the MLS is in line with that idea.Â
While his achievements have been limited this year, his performances continue to be at a significantly high level in spite of a new league and country.
