SportsPosted at: Oct 23 2026 10:29PM


Lionel Messi receives Princess of Asturias award

Madrid, Oct 23 (UNI) Lionel Messi received a warm welcome back to Spain this week, with hundreds descending on Oviedo to see the 2022 FIFA World Cup winner as he was presented
with the Princess of Asturias Award.

Alongside his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, the Inter Miami forward took the time to engage with supporters and sign autographs outside the hotel where he collected the award on Friday,
according to olympics.com.

The accolade recognises sports personnel for their exceptional careers that extend far beyond their disciplines, recognising their work within the community and, in the case of Messi, humility and commitment to football.

Talking to EFE, the former Barça captain expressed his excitement upon receiving this honour, recognising the prestige of the award.
“When you’re there [Barcelona], it’s not just about playing football,” he said. “Rather, football is the result of many things you have to do, many responsibilities you have before you go to training or [Barcelona] match.”
To be back in Spain for such an occasion is even more special for the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, who revealed that his late father Jorge was “very happy” for him to receive an award that goes “beyond what he does on the pitch”.
“It’s been a long time since I last came to Spain, and being able to arrive and receive this affection again, the truth is it’s an immense happiness,” he added.
“It is a privilege to be here with you all, and let’s hope that this time we have together we can enjoy it and have a great time.”
Messi joins esteemed company, with the likes of Serena Williams, Eliud Kipchoge, and the Olympic Refugee Foundation & Team all recipients in the past.
The foundation’s Jury selected Argentina’s recently retired captain for his “exceptional sporting career and his formidable and continued charitable work to promote access to education and healthcare for the most disadvantaged children.”
“Messi, the player who has won the most titles in the history of football, has also earned the respect and admiration of everyone for his exemplary behaviour on the field and for his consistency, humility, and commitment to the team game,” they wrote.
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