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Lionel Messi reflects on his love for Barcelona after returning to Spain for Princess of Asturias honor

Barcelona legend Lionel Messi has returned to Spain to collect The 2026 Princess of Asturias Award for Sports. The GOAT has been in Oviedo where he spoke about life at Barca and admitted it’s difficult for him to find the…

By Gill Clark · Barca Blaugranes

Published: Thursday, 22 October 2026 at 3:32 PM

Key Things to Know

Lionel Messi expressed his deep affection for Barcelona while in Spain to receive the Princess of Asturias Award.
Messi highlighted the privilege of playing alongside former teammates Xavi, Andres Iniesta, and Carles Puyol.
The Argentine became the first individual footballer to receive the Princess of Asturias Award for Sports.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Barcelona legend Lionel Messi returned to Spain to receive the 2026 Princess of Asturias Award for Sports in Oviedo. Speaking to EFE during the event, Messi reflected warmly on his career at Camp Nou, expressing his enduring affection for both the club and the city.

Messi described sharing a dressing room with former teammates Xavi, Andres Iniesta, and Carles Puyol as a privilege. Having won the honor earlier this year, Messi became the first individual footballer to receive the award, which recognized his sporting career, charitable initiatives, and exemplary conduct.

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Lionel Messi reflects on his love for Barcelona after returning to Spain for Princess of Asturias honor

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