{
  "id": 16290959,
  "title": "Barcelona, Inter Miami hail Messi’s historic Asturias award",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/24/barcelona-inter-miami-hail-messis-historic-asturias-award-16290959",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-24T06:48:52.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch",
    "slug": "punch",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/barcelona-inter-miami-hail-messis-historic-asturias-award/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Barcelona and Inter Miami have praised Lionel Messi following his receipt of the 2026 Princess of Asturias Award for Sports. The Argentine football star earned the recognition at a ceremony in Oviedo, Spain, on Friday, October 23. This marked the first time a footballer was honored individually with this prestigious award. Barcelona's official announcement on X highlighted the player's exceptional talent, commitment to sport, and charitable work, acknowledging that his career has left an indelible mark on the club's history.\n\nThe Spanish club emphasized that Messi's successful career, deeply intertwined with FC Barcelona, forms part of the club's legacy and that his involvement will always be a source of pride. Inter Miami also expressed their congratulations to their captain, complimenting his exceptional talent and acknowledging the values he brings to their team. The award jury acknowledged Messi's outstanding career, sporting achievements, humility, and efforts to promote access to education and healthcare for children.\n\nLionel Messi spent over two decades at Barcelona, becoming one of the club's most decorated players before leaving in 2021. Before that, he played for Paris Saint-Germain before joining Inter Miami in 2023. This latest honor joins Messi's extensive list of individual and team achievements, including eight Ballon d'Or awards and the 2022 FIFA World Cup with Argentina.",
  "summary": "Barcelona and Inter Miami have congratulated Lionel Messi after the Argentine star received the 2026 Princess of Asturias Award for Sports in Spain. Read More: https://punchng.com/barcelona-inter-miami-hail-messis-historic-asturias-award/",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 7,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Buenos Aires Times",
        "title": "Messi receives top Spanish award from heir to throne",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/23/messi-receives-top-spanish-award-from-heir-to-throne",
        "published": "2026-10-23T22:31:16.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "Messi receives top Spanish award from heir to throne",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/23/messi-receives-top-spanish-award-from-heir-to-throne-16242267",
        "published": "2026-10-23T22:32:13.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "New Straits Times",
        "title": "Messi receives top Spanish award from heir to throne",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/24/messi-receives-top-spanish-award-from-heir-to-throne",
        "published": "2026-10-24T00:47:06.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Ajel English",
        "title": "Barcelona president Laporta hails Messi after Asturias award win",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/24/barcelona-president-laporta-hails-messi-after-asturias-award-win",
        "published": "2026-10-24T05:46:42.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Al Jazeera",
        "title": "Lionel Messi receives top Spanish award in recognition of social work",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/24/lionel-messi-receives-top-spanish-award-in-recognition-of-social-work",
        "published": "2026-10-24T06:44:29.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Adom Online",
        "title": "Messi receives top Spanish award from heir to throne",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/24/messi-receives-top-spanish-award-from-heir-to-throne-16298231",
        "published": "2026-10-24T07:54:40.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}