Lionel Messi receives top Spanish award in recognition of social work

Messi awarded the Princess of Asturias Award for his work for disadvantaged children’s access to health and education.Published On 24 Oct 202624 Oct 2026Lionel Messi received Spain’s most prestigious sports award on Friday in recognition of his glittering career and his work for disadvantaged children’s access to health and education.The Argentinian forward, 39, was named winner of the Princess of Asturias Award for Sports in June, with the jury hailing “the most successful footballer of all time” and his social work.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemslist 1 of 4Carrick accepts blame for Man United slump, but ‘confident’ of a turnaroundlist 2 of 4El Clasico: All to know about the rivalry between Barcelona and Real Madridlist 3 of 4Dortmund to reward football supporters who don’t use phone during matcheslist 4 of 4Saudi Arabia security puts Asian Cup in doubt: Japan football chiefend of listDozens of fans wearing Argentina football shirts cheered and chanted Messi’s name as he arrived to the sound of bagpipes and drums at the ceremony in Oviedo, capital of the northern Spanish region of Asturias.Messi collected a formal roll of parchment from Princess Leonor, the heiress to the Span...