Messi Becomes First Footballer to Win Princess of Asturias Award
Lionel Messi has been awarded the Princess of Asturias Award for Sports, making him the first individual footballer to receive this prestigious honor. The 39-year-old forward accepted the award from Princess Leonor at the Teatro Campoamor in Oviedo, Spain, during a ceremony attended by King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia on a Friday.
Messi's wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, was also present. He was selected from 27 candidates across 12 nationalities, with the jury chaired by Paralympic swimmer Teresa Perales.
The jury praised Messi's "dazzling talent," "exceptional sporting career," and "formidable and ongoing charitable work" aimed at improving education and healthcare access for disadvantaged children. Barcelona responded warmly to the recognition, reflecting on Messi's long association with the club, where he joined La Masia academy at 13 and scored 672 goals in 778 appearances, winning 35 trophies before leaving in 2021.
The award's timing coincides with the upcoming 2026 Ballon d'Or ceremony in London.
Plus234Feed summary based on reporting from Legit.ng. Read the original report below.
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