Princess of Asturias awards Messi, 'most successful footballer of all time'

Lionel Messi, hailed as the "most successful footballer of all time," has been honored with the Princess of Asturias Award for Sports in Spain. The prestigious award acknowledges not only his unparalleled achievements on the football pitch but also his significant charitable efforts benefiting underprivileged children.

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the most successful footballer of all time

The jury cited Messi's "exemplary behavior," "humility," and "commitment to collective play" alongside his "dazzling talent" and "exceptional sporting career." Beyond his on-field prowess, the Argentine star has dedicated himself to "formidable and continuous solidarity work" to improve access to education and healthcare for vulnerable children through his foundation.

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the player who has won the most titles in the history of football, has also earned the respect and admiration of all for his exemplary behavior on the field and for his consistency, humility, and commitment to collective play

Established in 1981, the Princess of Asturias Awards are among the most esteemed in the Ibero-American world, each carrying a prize of 50,000 euros and a sculpture by Joan Miró. Messi was selected from 27 candidates across 12 nationalities for this year's sports award. His career, which began at Barcelona and has seen him play for PSG and currently Inter Miami, is marked by 47 titles, including eight Ballon d'Or awards.

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In addition to his dazzling talent and exceptional sporting career, Messi has carried out formidable and continuous solidarity work to promote access to education and healthcare for the most disadvantaged children