Favourite Sportsperson?

So, do tell us. Your favorite sportsperson, and your favorite sport too. You see, recently, I had an argument with some of my friends, who said that Lionel Messi is the greatest sportsperson they know of, and the best ever, across all sports, on whatever parameters you could take as common. Also that he is the finest person to play a sport, on purely human terms.

So, lets find out, because I argued that my favorite was the best in everything, of course :D

And do give details about the person, and reasons why you like him.

This can be any sport at all, mind you.