Messi, 39, was named the winner in June, with the jury hailing him as 'the most successful footballer of all time' and citing his social work. The award, presented by Princess Leonor, the heir to the Spanish throne, lauded his 'unique career.' Leonor said he 'turned the extraordinary into routine by reading the game and deciding on the most effective option in fractions of a second, while respecting the collective essence above ego.' Fans wearing Argentina shirts cheered as Messi arrived to bagpipes and drums.
The Princess of Asturias Awards, founded in 1981, are the most prestigious in the Spanish-speaking world and come with prize money of 50,000 euros ($56,000). Among other winners this year were British author Julian Barnes, NASA astronaut Christina Koch, and punk star Patti Smith. Previous sports laureates include Serena Williams, Rafael Nadal, Eliud Kipchoge, and Lindsey Vonn.
Messi, who spent 21 years at FC Barcelona, two years at Paris Saint-Germain, and now plays for Inter Miami, recently ended his international career after Argentina's World Cup final loss to Spain. Speaking at an event with children on Thursday, he said 'the most important thing is to know how to lose and how to win,' calling that attitude fundamental in football.
FC Barcelona congratulated Messi, calling the award 'richly deserved recognition for your outstanding talent, which has left a lasting impact both on and off the pitch,' and emphasizing his 'inseparable bond' with the club.