Lionel Messi received the Princess of Asturias Award for Sports on Friday, becoming the first footballer to earn the individual honour.
Often called the 'Nobel Prize of Spain', the award recognizes Messi's record 47 team trophies and his humanitarian work via the Leo Messi Foundation.
The Argentine, a Spanish citizen since 2005, was celebrated for his lasting global impact and his formative development within the Spanish football system.