Messi receives top Spanish award from heir to throne

Lionel Messi, widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers in history, received Spain's highest sports honor on Friday. The Argentine superstar, 39, was awarded the Princess of Asturias Award for Sports in recognition of his incredible career, work aiding disadvantaged children, and his remarkable sportsmanship.

Dozens of Argentina fans gathered to welcome Messi, clad in Argentina's national colors, as he arrived at the Oviedo ceremony. The Princess of Asturias, Princess Leonor, the future queen of Spain, praised Messi's exceptional skills, emphasizing his ability to turn the extraordinary into the routine by reading the game and choosing the most effective option in split seconds. She also highlighted his commitment to the collective, above personal glory.

Messi, who spent 21 years at Barcelona, has amassed a treasure trove of accolades, including eight Ballon d'Or titles, a World Cup, and numerous other club trophies. After leaving Barcelona in 2021, he played for Paris Saint-Germain for two years before joining Inter Miami in the MLS. The legendary player, who also holds the record for the most goals, assists, and caps for Argentina, concluded his international career following their World Cup loss to Spain in a recent event.

Reflecting on the importance of losing and winning gracefully, Messi urged young fans at a recent gathering, emphasizing that these qualities are fundamental to football success. The Princess of Asturias Awards, the most esteemed in the Spanish-speaking world, come with a prize of 50,000 euros and recognize contributions to the arts, sciences, and sports.

Previous honorees of the sports category include tennis icons Serena Williams and Rafael Nadal, marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge, and former US skier Lindsey Vonn among others.