Lionel Messi has added another award to his impressive list, and in doing so has followed in the footsteps of another Barcelona legend.
The Barcelona star received the ‘Creu de Sant Jordi’, an award which recognises individuals and institutions who have served Catalonia and the protection of the region’s identity.
The award, which was created in 1981, is the second-highest civil distinction handed out by the Catalan regional government and given out annually to multiple recipients.
Editors' Picks
The Argentine star has enjoyed a stellar career at the Liga giants since joining them at age 13, becoming synonymous with the club while staking a claim as one of the greatest to ever play the game.