Overview
- SPORT presented the honor at its Gala Valores in Madrid after a Sport.es reader poll in which thousands participated and Messi won by a wide margin.
- Upon receiving the prize, Messi expressed deep gratitude, describing Barcelona as his home and its fans as his people.
- A video of supporter messages shown at the event left him tearful, reinforcing the intergenerational affection highlighted by the award.
- He said he wished he had spent his entire career at Barcelona and recalled leaving without fans in attendance during the pandemic.
- Messi, now with Inter Miami, said he intends to live in Barcelona again and attend matches at the stadium as a fan, comments echoed alongside reports of a recent surprise visit to the Camp Nou.