{
  "id": 16212981,
  "title": "Messi receives 2026 Princesa de Asturias award for Sport",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/23/messi-receives-2026-princesa-de-asturias-award-for-sport",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-23T18:48:51.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch",
    "slug": "punch",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/messi-receives-2026-princesa-de-asturias-award-for-sport/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Lionel Messi has been awarded the prestigious 2026 Princesa de Asturias Award for Sport. The recognition, described by the ex-Argentina captain as an honour that surpasses his on-pitch achievements, was a profound moment for Messi. His father's enthusiasm for the award played a significant role, with him insisting that Messi attend the ceremony despite his busy football schedule. As reported by X, Messi noted, \"My father was extremely excited about this award. We knew it would be difficult because of my match schedule, but he really insisted that we come, that I travel here to spend these days and receive the award.\"\n\nFor Inter Miami forward Messi, this accolade symbolises more than his illustrious football career. He emphasized, “This award goes beyond what you do on the pitch or what I’ve achieved throughout my career.” The Princesa de Asturias Awards, which cover various fields including sport, arts, science, and international cooperation, recognised Messi's remarkable contributions. The award bolsters Messi's already extensive list of individual honours, including multiple Ballon d'Or titles, a FIFA World Cup victory with Argentina in 2022, and significant success at Barcelona.",
  "summary": "Argentine captain Lionel Messi has received the 2026 Princesa de Asturias Award for Sport, describing it as an honour that goes beyond his football achieve Read More: https://punchng.com/messi-receives-2026-princesa-de-asturias-award-for-sport/",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "El Pais",
        "title": "The emotional surprise of several choirs for Patti Smith before the Princess of Asturias Awards: “I thought I was going to cry with happiness”",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/22/la-emotiva-sorpresa-de-varios-coros-a-patti-smith-antes-de-los",
        "published": "2026-10-22T19:35:38.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Euronews",
        "title": "Messi sparks euphoria in Oviedo before Princesa de Asturias award",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/23/messi-sparks-euphoria-in-oviedo-before-princesa-de-asturias-award",
        "published": "2026-10-23T05:27:22.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}