The Argentine star was given the award on Thursday
Lionel Messi has been given the Cross of Sant Jordi. The Argentine star was one of 26 people and 15 organisations who have been given the distinction this year. The forward was handed it by Quim Torra, the president of Catalonia, at the Auditori Forum CCIB.
The Barcelona forward is the second footballer, after Johan Cruyff, to receive the award. Runner Nuria Picas was also given it this year.
Messi’s social work - above all through his foundation - was what helped him earn the award.
The Barcelona forward also received it because of his “fabulous sporting trajectory, which has seen him recognised as the best player of all time. Messi has brought attributes like humility, honesty, learning, creativity, sense of team and respect to a sport of the masses.”
