The Argentine star shared a meeting with thousands of schoolchildren at the Palacio de los Deportes in Oviedo, where he defended the values of football, respect for rivals and the importance of enjoying the journey beyond the results.
Lionel Messi lived a special day this Thursday in Oviedo, where he celebrated his Princess of Asturias Sports Award with more than 6,000 people, mostly children, during a massive meeting with the educational community. The event also featured the participation of Santi Cazorla, Real Oviedo legend and former Arsenal, Villarreal and Málaga footballer.
The Sports Palace of the Asturian capital was filled to pay tribute to the captain of the Argentine national team, in an activity that put the finishing touch to the initiative The game of 10, promoted by the Princess of Asturias Foundation within its cultural program Take the floor.
The proposal brought together some 1,500 students from Asturian schools, who worked on the development of new regulations for football based on inclusion, respect and fair play, based on the values associated with the career of the Argentine striker.
Received among Albiceleste flags, t-shirts and applause, Messi thanked the affection he continues to receive in Spain, the country where he spent a good part of his professional career.
“It is enormous happiness,” said the footballer during the meeting, hosted by journalist Chisco García.
Messi and his message to children: enjoy before winning
During the conversation with the schoolchildren, Messi explained that his goal when entering the field had always been to win, although he also highlighted that football is much more than a competition.
The Argentine described this sport as a game capable of creating friendships, uniting people and facilitating rapprochement between them. In addition, he took advantage of the occasion to convey a message to children who are beginning to take their first steps in football.
“The important thing is to enjoy,” said Messi, who also questioned the pressure that some parents put on their children during sports practice.
The world champion regretted that certain adults try to influence young footballers too much and end up harming their experience instead of helping them grow.
The dream that brought Messi del Rosario to Barcelona
The forward also recalled his beginnings in Rosario, Argentina, and the move to Spain when he was just a child to join FC Barcelona, a decision that marked the beginning of a historic career.
“I did it all because I had a dream,” he said when remembering that stage of his life.
Messi highlighted the education received since childhood, especially the importance of respect for teammates and rivals. Along these lines, he insisted that the development of an athlete should not be measured exclusively by titles or victories.
“You have to enjoy the process and not be left alone with the result,” explained the Argentine, who stressed that learning from defeats is essential to progress and understand both the value of winning and losing.
Santi Cazorla joins the tribute to Messi
One of the highlights of the meeting came with the participation of Santi Cazorla, who shared the stage with the Argentine soccer player.
Messi had words of appreciation for the Spanish midfielder, whom he assured that he had always heard great praise from his Barcelona teammates, especially for his human quality.
Cazorla responded with an anecdote from his time as a professional soccer player. When he faced Barcelona, he recalled, many people told him on the street that they hoped Messi would not play.
However, his desire was precisely the opposite: he wanted to face the Argentine on the pitch.
“When you dream of being a footballer it is to face players like that,” said the Asturian player, in a show of admiration for one of the great leaders of world football.
Oviedo surrenders to the world champion
The call generated enormous expectation. Tickets for the event were sold out in just thirteen minutes, while numerous fans gathered in the vicinity of the Palacio de los Deportes before the footballer’s arrival.
The meeting was held on the eve of the Princess of Asturias Sports Award ceremony, a recognition of Messi’s career and his impact on international football.
The visit to Oviedo allowed the Argentine to share his experience with the new generations and transmit an idea that accompanied his speech throughout the day: football is not only about winning, but also about learning, respecting and enjoying the journey.
