Del Potro beats Messi to be named Argentina’s Sportsman of the Year

Sydney – Tennis star Juan Martin del Potro has been named Argentina’s Sportsman of the Year, beating Lionel Messi, according to reports.

According to Fox News, the La Liga title, goals in 19 consecutive games and a short-listing as one of the top three players in the world weren’t enough to earn Lionel Messi a gong as Argentina’s top sportsman of 2013.

That honour went to Juan Martin del Potro, who didn’t even make it to the final of a grand slam, the report said.

Del Potro has had a solid year matching it the best, taking four titles in a year highlighted by his epic, five-set semi-final duel with Novak Djokovic at Wimbledon, the report added.