MESSI HONOURED IN SPAIN AS PRINCESS LEONOR PRESENTS SPORTS AWARD

Lionel Messi took centre stage in Oviedo on Friday as he collected the 2026 Princess of Asturias Award for Sports from Spain’s Princess Leonor.

The football star attended the ceremony at the Teatro Campoamor with his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo. Guests applauded as he stepped forward to receive the honour from the heir to the Spanish throne.

The award adds another distinction to a career that has brought Messi eight Ballon d’Or titles and World Cup success with Argentina.

Before the main ceremony, Messi joined fellow recipients at the Hotel de la Reconquista, where Princess Leonor presented them with commemorative insignia.

His time in Oviedo also offered young fans an opportunity to hear about his journey. Speaking to students, Messi recalled feeling nervous when he joined Barcelona’s first-team environment at just 16.

He explained that Ronaldinho and other experienced teammates encouraged him to put their reputations aside, enjoy himself and trust the footballing ability he had developed as a child.

Friday’s ceremony recognised achievements across several fields, placing Messi alongside leading figures from the arts, literature and science.