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Lionel Messi arrives in Oviedo for Princess of Asturias Sports Award
Argentine footballer Lionel Messi has arrived in Oviedo, Spain, ahead of receiving the 2026 Princess of Asturias Sports Award. The ceremony, presided over by King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia, is scheduled for Friday at the Teatro Campoamor.
The award recognizes Messi for his “dazzling talent,” “exceptional sporting career,” and his “formidable and continuous philanthropic work to promote access to education and healthcare for disadvantaged children.”
During his arrival, Messi participated in an educational event at the Palacio de los Deportes, where he spoke to approximately 1,500 students. He emphasized the importance of enjoying the process of sports and learning from both victories and defeats. He also reflected on his career, noting the significance of his time at FC Barcelona and his 2022 World Cup victory with Argentina.
Messi also shared an emotional tribute to his late father, Jorge Messi, who passed away in August. He noted that his father was very excited about this recognition and had encouraged him to attend the ceremony personally.
Entities
Antonela Roccuzzo · Argentina · Felipe VI · Inter Miami · Inter Miami CF · Jorge Horacio Messi · Jorge Messi · King Felipe VI · Lionel Messi · Oviedo · Princess Leonor · Princess of Asturias Foundation
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Princess Leonor dined with Patti Smith and Timothy Garton Ash. www.elcorreoweb.es
- [● 3 SOURCES] Infanta Sofía is 19 years old. www.elcorreoweb.es
- [● 3 SOURCES] Infanta Sofía shared a table with Leo Messi and Christina Koch. www.elcorreoweb.es
- [● 3 SOURCES] The Princess of Asturias Awards take place in Oviedo. www.elcorreoweb.es
- [● 3 SOURCES] Princess Leonor is 20 years old. www.elcorreoweb.es
- [● 3 SOURCES] The Ciudad de Oviedo band provided music for the event. www.diariodemallorca.es · www.levante-emv.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The King and Queen traveled in one vehicle, while the princesses traveled in another. www.diariodemallorca.es · www.levante-emv.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The Spanish Royal Family attended the first event of the Princess of Asturias Awards in Oviedo. www.diariodemallorca.es · www.levante-emv.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Queen Letizia and her daughters approached the public barriers to shake hands and be photographed. www.diariodemallorca.es · www.levante-emv.com