Messi to receive an honor from the Spanish royal family

Bangla Press Desk: Argentine football wizard Lionel Messi is set to travel to Spain to receive the prestigious ‘Princess of Asturias Award’ for the first time. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner has been named the recipient in the sports category of this esteemed international honor, presented by the Spanish Royal Family.
He will receive the award during a grand ceremony on October 23 at the historic Teatro Campoamor in Oviedo, Spain, in the presence of the Royal Family. King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain will formally present the award to Messi. In the 43-year history of the accolade, Messi becomes the first individual footballer to receive this prestigious international recognition.
Established in 1981, the award is presented annually by the Princess of Asturias Foundation to individuals and organizations that have made outstanding international contributions across eight categories, including science, literature, the arts, social sciences, international cooperation, and sports.
Recipients are awarded a commemorative sculpture designed by the renowned artist Joan Miró, a diploma, a badge, and a cash prize of 50,000 euros.
Messi was officially announced as the winner by the jury in Oviedo, Spain, on June 3. The jury was impressed not only by his extraordinary career achievements, exceptional humility, and consistent performance on the pitch, but also by his long-standing charitable work focused on the education and healthcare of underprivileged children. The Princess of Asturias Foundation selected the global superstar unanimously from a pool of 27 distinguished nominees from around the world.
BP/TD