Lionel Messi and Antonela Roccuzzo returned to Spain for a special occasion. The Argentine family, which lived in Spain for years while Messi played for Barcelona F.C., flew to Oviedo, Spain, to attend the Princess of Asturias Awards. Messi was one of this year's recipients, having an audience with Princess Leonor and receiving AN award alongside honorees working in a variety of fields.
© Europa Press via Getty ImagesMessi was this year's recipient for Sport, and met Leonor in the morning, where he was accompanied by Roccuzzo in a grey suit, with the two holding hands. Later in the evening, Messi met the Princess again, shaking hands with Leonor as she handed him a diploma.
Other noteworthy winners of this year's edition include Patti Smith, for the Arts, Julian Barnes, for Letters, Timothy Garton Ash, for Social Sciences, and Christina Koch, for Concord.
The Awards praised Messi for “his dazzling talent, his exceptional sporting career, and his formidable and ongoing charitable work."
They called Messi a “model of overcoming challenges."
© AFP via Getty ImagesSpain paralyzed due to Messi's arrival
Messi's arrival sparked a frenzy in Oviedo. He arrived on Thursday morning, prompting thousands of people to stand in front of the Hotel La Reconquista, showcasing their Messi jerseys, Argentine flags, and many posters and messages for their favorite soccer player.
Messi seemed moved, making the rare decision to approach fans to sign autographs and greet people who had been waiting for him for hours.
© AFP via Getty ImagesBack when the award was announced in June, Messi shared a moving speech. “I hope my story inspires many boys and girls to keep dreaming — through hard work and a love for sport — while remembering that what matters most is striving to be a good person and upholding the values that sport teaches us,” he said.
He's not doing a press conference after receiving the award. Instead, he's preparing for a busy week: On Saturday, Inter Miami play the New York Red Bulls, and on Monday, he's invited to the Ballon d'Or Awards. We'll have to wait and see what his itinerary is.
© Europa Press via Getty Images
