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Messi honoured with Spain’s prestigious award
Published : Saturday, 24 October, 2026 at 1:45 PM
Observer Online Report
A festive atmosphere swept through Oviedo, Spain, as thousands of fans gathered on the streets to catch a glimpse of Lionel Messi. Amidst the overwhelming enthusiasm, the 39-year-old Argentine football legend formally received the prestigious "Princess of Asturias Award" for Sports.
At a ceremony held on Friday night at the Campoamor Theatre in Oviedo, Messi accepted the accolade from Princess Leonor, heir to the Spanish throne. The honour was bestowed upon him in recognition of his illustrious football career and his philanthropic contributions to education and healthcare for underprivileged children. He was named the recipient of the award last June.
According to Spanish news outlet AS, the excitement surrounding Messi’s presence in Oviedo surpassed the fervor seen during Hollywood actress Meryl Streep’s visit in 2023. Amid the sounds of bagpipes and drums, cheering fans clad in Argentine jerseys created a carnival-like atmosphere as Messi arrived at the venue.
During the presentation, Princess Leonor lauded the football icon, highlighting his extraordinary pitch intelligence, quick decision-making, and team-first ethos. She remarked that Messi’s game unites people through shared emotion, noting how the collective anticipation of his goals reflects the profound impact of his career. She also praised his modesty and willingness to prioritize team success above personal ego.
Expressing his delight on Instagram after receiving the award, Messi wrote that receiving the Princess of Asturias Award in Sports was a great honour, while extending his congratulations and best wishes to his fellow awardees.
Messi spent 21 memorable years at Barcelona, joining the youth setup in 2000 before departing in 2021 after securing numerous major titles to solidify his status as one of football’s greatest. Following a two-year stint at Paris Saint-Germain, the Argentine superstar currently plays for Inter Miami in the United States.
Established in 1981, the Princess of Asturias Award is among the most prestigious honors in the Spanish-speaking world, carrying a cash prize of €50,000. It is awarded to individuals making exceptional contributions across arts, sciences, and sports to foster peaceful coexistence, solidarity, and global cooperation. Previous sports laureates include tennis icons Serena Williams and Rafael Nadal, marathoner Eliud Kipchoge, and skier Lindsey Vonn.
Prior to leaving Spain, Messi attended a royal reception on Friday afternoon alongside other laureates in the Covadonga Room, hosted individually by Princess Leonor. Spanish national team head coach Luis de la Fuente, who was also present, praised Messi’s legacy, stating that the footprint he leaves in football and sport is exceptional, serving as an extraordinary role model both as an athlete and a person.
-MT
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Editor : Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury
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Published by the Editor on behalf of the Observer Ltd. from Globe Printers, 24/A, New Eskaton Road, Ramna, Dhaka.
Editorial, News and Commercial Offices : Aziz Bhaban (2nd floor), 93, Motijheel C/A, Dhaka-1000.
Phone: PABX- 41053001-06; Advertisement: 41053012; 01793317829, 01550707291, E-mail: [email protected], [email protected] Online: email: [email protected] 41053014; 01550707297 Advertisement: 01550707296
