Messi receives top Spanish award from heir to throne

Lionel Messi received the Princess of Asturias Award for Sports during a ceremony in Oviedo, Spain, on Friday, October 23. According to Punch and Punch Nigeria, Messi is the first footballer to win the honor individually. He accepted a formal roll of parchment from Princess Leonor, the heir to the Spanish throne, who praised his unique career and ability to decide on effective options in fractions of a second.

The award recognizes Messi's glittering career and his work providing disadvantaged children with access to education and health, according to The Local Spain and Adom Online. Adom Online reports that the 39-year-old Argentine forward arrived to the sound of drums and bagpipes while fans in Argentina shirts cheered his name.

Both Barcelona and Inter Miami have offered congratulations to the player. Barcelona described the award as recognition of Messi's talent, commitment to sport, and charitable work, noting his lasting impact both on and off the pitch.

Brief written by urgent.news from The Local Spain, Adom Online, Punch, Punch Nigeria — 4 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.