Lionel Messi was greeted by lots of of supporters as he arrived in Oviedo on Thursday to obtain the 2026 Princess of Asturias Award for Sports activities.
The Argentina legend travelled from the US to northern Spain for the distinguished ceremony, which is able to happen on the Campoamor Theatre on Friday afternoon.
Messi, who was accompanied by his spouse Antonela Roccuzzo and private assistant Pepe Costa, was met by large crowds exterior the Lodge de la Reconquista.
Supporters had gathered from early within the morning hoping to catch a glimpse of the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, together with his arrival sparking celebrations within the Spanish metropolis.
Messi arrived in Oviedo at roughly 10:15am native time, the place he was welcomed by Ana Isabel Fernandez, president of the Princess of Asturias Basis.
The 39-year-old obtained a standard Asturian welcome, full with bagpipes, as supporters cheered his arrival.
After coming into the resort, Messi later returned exterior alongside Fernandez to acknowledge the crowds who had waited to see him.
Regardless of the safety presence, the previous Barcelona ahead took time to greet supporters and signal autographs.
The Argentine stays an enormously well-liked determine in Spain following his exceptional profession at Barcelona, the place he established himself as one in all soccer’s best gamers.
Messi to obtain Princess of Asturias Award for Sports activities
Messi has been chosen because the 2026 recipient of the Princess of Asturias Award for Sports activities, recognising his extraordinary achievements and contribution to soccer.
The ceremony will happen at Oviedo’s Campoamor Theatre on Friday afternoon, with the Inter Miami ahead anticipated to be among the many foremost points of interest.
His keep in Asturias will final lower than 48 hours, however he has a number of engagements scheduled throughout his go to.
On Thursday afternoon, Messi is because of attend an occasion involving college students and members of the area’s educational neighborhood.
Round 3,000 younger folks have been chosen to take part after organisers obtained practically 20,000 functions.
