SportsPosted at: Oct 22 2026 9:58PM


Messi pays tribute to late father ahead of award ceremony

Madrid, Oct 22 (UNI) Lionel Messi paid tribute to his late father Jorge on Thursday as he prepared to receive the 2026 Princess of Asturias Award for Sports, saying the honor recognized values that extended far beyond his achievements on the football pitch.

The former FC Barcelona star and 2022 World Cup winner arrived in the northern Spanish city of Oviedo on Thursday ahead of Friday's award ceremony, which will be presided over by Spain's
King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia.
Messi was named the winner of this year's sports award, with the jury praising his "dazzling talent" and "exceptional athletic career," as well as "his formidable and ongoing philanthropic work to promote access to education and healthcare for the most disadvantaged children."
Speaking at Oviedo's Hotel de la Reconquista, Messi reflected on the values of commitment, respect and solidarity instilled in him by his father Jorge, who died in August.
Messi recalled that his father had told him the award went "beyond what you do on the pitch" and had urged him to travel to Oviedo to accept it.
The Argentine said he was "very excited," "very happy" and "very grateful" for the recognition after being greeted by hundreds of fans outside the hotel, according to Xinhua.
Messi also reflected on the lessons he learned during his years at Barcelona, emphasizing that success in football depended on discipline and responsibilities beyond matchday performances.
"Football is the result of many other things that must be done - many responsibilities that you have before going to train or play," he said. He stressed that training was essential "for growth" and helped players arrive at competitions "with the best possible tools."
Turning to his charitable work, Messi said he preferred to help others "without anyone knowing," explaining that such efforts should come from genuine concern rather than a desire for recognition.
"You do it from the heart and you truly care," he said.
UNI BM
Tags: #Messi pays tribute to late father ahead of award ceremony
More News

FIFA opens tender process for media rights to World Cup 2030 & FIFA World Cup 2034

22 Oct 2026 | 10:31 PM

Zurich (Switzerland), Oct 22 (UNI) FIFA has launched the invitation to tender (ITT) for media rights to the FIFA World Cup 2030 in the United States and Puerto Rico, with an option for interested parties to also secure the FIFA World Cup 2034.

see more..

Pacers power South Africa to series-levelling win over Australia

22 Oct 2026 | 10:26 PM

Gqeberha, Oct 22 (UNI) Travis Head’s defiant century provided stirring resistance, but South Africa's relentless bowling attack dismantled Australia’s lower order on a blockbuster Day 5
to secure a comprehensive win by an innings and 31 runs in the second Test.

see more..

Harry Brook makes ODI history with record-fastest double ton

22 Oct 2026 | 10:13 PM

Rawalpindi, Oct 22 (UNI) Harry Brook scored the fastest-ever double century in ODI cricket history as England amassed a whopping 429/4 against Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi.
Brook (202) clinched his maiden double ton in the format off 116 deliveries, one ball quicker than India captain Shubman Gill’s recent knock against the West Indies.

see more..

Jintimani Kalita replaces Renuka Singh Thakur in India’s ODI squad

22 Oct 2026 | 10:09 PM

Baroda, Oct 22 (UNI) Fast bowler Renuka Singh Thakur has been ruled out of the upcoming three-match ODI series against Zimbabwe.

see more..

Barcelona's Espart ready for "war" in first Clasico against Real Madrid

22 Oct 2026 | 10:02 PM

Madrid, Oct 22 (UNI) FC Barcelona's 19-year-old defender Xavi Espart is preparing for a baptism
of fire when he makes his Clasico debut against Real Madrid on Sunday.

see more..