Messi receives a major boost right before the World Cup.
Messi recently posted a message thanking the organizers of Spain's prestigious Princess of Asturias Award for sports , which honored him as the winner in 2026. This honor comes just days after Messi was called up to the Argentina national team for his sixth World Cup.
Messi has gradually increased his training volume and is on track for a full recovery ahead of Argentina's opening match at the World Cup.
Photo: Reuters
According to Bernama, the award recognizes "the brilliant talent, exceptional sporting career and the ongoing, admirable philanthropic work of the 38-year-old star, aimed at promoting access to education and healthcare for the most disadvantaged children."
Messi has followed in the footsteps of former tennis star Serena Williams, becoming the latest sports figure to receive this honor. Since its inception in 1987, this honor has also been bestowed upon world- renowned athletes such as Carolina Marin, Sebastian Coe, the New Zealand rugby team, and the Spanish national football team, among many others.
The judges stated: "Messi also earns the respect and admiration of everyone for his exemplary conduct on the pitch, as well as his perseverance, humility, and commitment to the team game."
In response, in a message posted on social media on June 4th, Messi expressed his gratitude for the Princess of Asturias award. He said: "This is a great honor for me."
Messi is set to return to playing alongside several teammates recovering from injuries.
Messi, along with Nico Paz, Nahuel Molina, and Gonzalo Montiel, are training separately as they recover from injuries and regain fitness. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez is also in a similar situation. Meanwhile, center-back Cuti Romero and forward Julian Alvarez have returned to normal training. However, rumors have emerged that young midfielder Nico Paz will miss the 2026 World Cup due to not recovering from injury in time.
Messi and Nico Paz (right), a crucial young player for the current Argentina national team.
Photo: Reuters
Nico Paz immediately refuted this news, stating in a message posted on his personal social media account: "In the final days of my recovery. Really excited to begin."
Journalist Gaston Edul and transfer news expert Fabrizio Romano, who has close ties to Nico Paz, also confirmed: "Nico Paz will definitely be at the World Cup and ready to defend his title. Nico Paz has started training at a higher intensity. He plans to return to full team training after the friendly match against Honduras (June 7th) and may play in the match against Iceland (June 10th)."
Meanwhile, Messi and Emiliano Martinez are not expected to play in either of Argentina's two friendly matches, in order to best prepare for their World Cup opening match against Algeria in Group J at 8 am on June 17th. Messi is still training separately, but he has gradually increased the intensity of his training and has also been practicing with the ball over the past few days, Gaston Edul added.
On the same day, June 4th, Argentina's opponent in their World Cup opening match, Algeria, pulled off a surprising friendly victory against the Netherlands, winning 1-0 in Rotterdam.
The only goal of the match was scored by Anis Hadj Moussa in the 86th minute. However, the credit for Algeria's victory must go to goalkeeper Luca Zidane, son of former French star Zinedine Zidane, for his numerous saves throughout the match despite the dominance of the home team, the Netherlands.
Source: https://thanhnien.vn/doi-tuyen-argentina-va-messi-lien-tiep-nhan-tin-vui-185260604081423862.htm
![[Video] Sunset at Lap An Lagoon – Where the sun sets over the fishing nets](https://vphoto.vietnam.vn/thumb/1200x675/vietnam/resource/IMAGE/2026/05/31/1780192137701_beach-landscape-sea-water-nature-grass-745871-pxhere-com.jpeg)
Comment (0)