Madrid, Oct. 22 -- Lionel Messi paid tribute to his late father Jorge on Thursday as he prepared to receive the 2026 Princess of Asturias Award for Sports, saying the honor recognized values that extended far beyond his achievements on the football pitch.
The former FC Barcelona star and 2022 World Cup winner arrived in the northern Spanish city of Oviedo on Thursday ahead of Friday's award ceremony, which will be presided over by Spain'sKing Felipe VI and Queen Letizia.
Messi was named the winner of this year's sports award, with the jury praising his "dazzling talent" and "exceptional athletic career," as well as "his formidable and ongoing philanthropic work to promote access to education and healthcare for the most disadvantaged child...