Messi receives top Spanish award from heir to throne

Lionel Messi, the Argentine football legend, was honored with Spain's highest sports award, the Princess of Asturias Award for Sports, on Friday. The 39-year-old forward was praised for his remarkable career and his dedication to helping disadvantaged children gain access to healthcare and education. A crowd of Argentina fans cheered as he arrived at the ceremony in Oviedo, the capital of Asturias, the northern Spanish region where the awards are named after.

Princess Leonor, the heir to the Spanish throne, presented Messi with a scroll, recognizing his "unique career" and his ability to excel both individually and as part of a team. The jury commended Messi for his "extraordinary talent" and his contributions to society. Messi's illustrious career includes eight Ballon d'Or titles, a World Cup, and numerous club trophies.

After 21 years with Barcelona, he spent time at Paris Saint-Germain and now plays for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer. The Princess of Asturias Awards, established in 1981, are the most prestigious in the Spanish-speaking world, with winners receiving €50,000 ($56,000) and honored for their efforts in improving human coexistence, solidarity, and global cooperation.

Previous recipients of the sports award include tennis star Serena Williams, footballer Rafael Nadal, marathon record-breaker Eliud Kipchoge, and US skier Lindsey Vonn.