Marca: Messi meets 5,000 children before award ceremony, receives 2-minute ovation

Messi has won almost every honor in his career, and now, in the twilight of his career, he is reaping the rewards of his past efforts.

He has rarely been on a field where he hasn't received a standing ovation from fans. However, the scene at the Oviedo Sports Palace that day was still unusual, marking the Rosario native's first official event 24 hours before receiving the 2026 Princess of Asturias Award.

Messi met with educators and students at the Oviedo Sports Palace. The event was for children and teenagers, primarily inviting students from schools participating in the "Game of the 10s" activity, which is part of the "Speak Up" cultural program.

There were about 5,000 people present, 70% of whom were children from the foundation. Most were wearing Argentina national team jerseys, and Messi received two minutes of enthusiastic applause. Cazorla was also in attendance.

"I was always told that this award goes beyond my achievements on the field. So I insisted on coming to Oviedo," Messi said. Tomorrow will be the moment he receives the honor.

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