Football superstar Lionel Messi has arrived in Oviedo, Spain, to receive the 2026 Princess of Asturias Award in the Sports category. Messi is scheduled to officially receive the award on Friday, October 23, at the Teatro Campoamor.
Messi’s arrival has sparked excitement among fans who gathered outside his hotel hoping to see the Argentine star in person. Some supporters waited for hours, hoping to greet him or obtain his autograph.
In an incident that has attracted attention on social media, one fan outside the hotel reportedly claimed that he deliberately cut his arm to avoid going to work and get the opportunity to see Messi. Explaining his decision, the fan said he had done so to reach the area and see the player he admires.
However, the claim has not been independently verified. Deliberately injuring oneself is dangerous and is not a safe way to express admiration for a footballer, regardless of how much someone wants to see their idol.
Messi received the 2026 Princess of Asturias Award for Sports in recognition of his outstanding achievements in football and his social contributions, including efforts to help children access education and healthcare. According to the organisers, he is the first footballer to receive the award individually.
Messi remains one of the most influential footballers in the world, thanks to his achievements with Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, Inter Miami and the Argentina national team. His arrival in Oviedo has once again demonstrated the global appeal he continues to enjoy among football fans.
