Lionel Messi has returned, even if only briefly, to Spain, where he is set to be awarded the Princess of Asturias Award for Sports by King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia on Friday in Oviedo.
The 39-year-old striker, who recently retired from the Argentine national team in style back in Buenos Aires, has continued this nostalgic tour back in his longtime home of Spain, where he addressed, among numerous other topics, his legendary career with Barcelona.
In an interview with the EFE news agency, via ARA, Messi reflected, “We were lucky enough to win everything, also in the way we did it, in how we enjoyed playing, winning, achieving important things, but above all in how we enjoyed the day-to-day, the training sessions... We had a great time.
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“It is hard to find words to explain everything that Barcelona means. Many good things happened there. I have a very, very special affection for the city, for the club.”
After joining La Masia in 2000 from Newell's Old Boys, Messi went on to spend 21 years with La Blaugrana, winning 10 La Liga titles, seven Copa del Reys, and four UEFA Champions Leagues amongst numerous other accolades. He left the club in 2021 as their record holder in appearances, goals, and most goals in a single season, amongst others.
Following a brief stint with Paris Saint-Germain, Messi swapped Europe for North America, joining David Beckham’s Inter Miami in 2023, which he still calls home.
Now an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, as well as a FIFA World Cup winner, Argentina’s record holder in appearances, goals, and assists said he hoped to be remembered “as a great athlete,” as well as someone who consistently battled to accomplish their goals and dreams. “Sometimes it worked out for me, sometimes it didn't, but I never stopped trying to win everything that was in front of me.”
With this in mind, Messi will soon join the likes of Serena Williams, Eliud Kipchoge, Lindsey Vonn, Xavi Hernández, Rafael Nadal, and Michael Schumacher in receiving the Princess of Asturias Award for Sports.
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In a statement announcing Messi’s selection for the award in July, the foundation wrote, “In addition to his dazzling talent, the Jury has highlighted his exceptional sporting career and his formidable and continued charitable work to promote access to education and health care for the most disadvantaged children.
“Leo Messi, the player who has won the most titles in the history of football, has also earned the respect and admiration of everyone for his exemplary behaviour on the field and for his consistency, humility and commitment to the team game.”
Responding to the award, Messi said, “I would like to sincerely thank the Jury and the Princess of Asturias Foundation for this recognition, which is a huge source of pride for me. Spain and Catalonia are part of my life: I grew up there as a footballer, I lived there for many years, and my children were born there. I always felt a great deal of affection from people, which is why this award is so very special for me.
“I always say that I achieved nothing alone: behind every achievement there are fellow players, family and many people who helped me along the way. I hope my story inspires many boys and girls to keep dreaming, with hard work and love for the sport, and knowing that the most important thing is to try to be a good person and respect the values that sport teaches us.”