Ballon d’Or, World Cup Golden Ball, La Liga player of the year, Golden Boot... you would think Lionel Messi has won every award there is. But today he has received something he has never won before, something that transcends football.
The Barcelona star has received the Creu de Sant Jordi (St. George’s Cross) award, one of the highest honors bestowed by the government of Catalonia.
The award was created in 1981 to be given to people who have done outstanding work to help the Catalan people and culture.
The government praised Messi’s ability on the pitch, saying he is the best footballer in the world.