Messi Wins Marca Special Award

Marca Awards Messi with the "Marca America Award" for Becoming the Most Titled Footballer in History. Spanish media outlet *Marca* has awarded Lionel Messi with the "Marca America Award," honoring him for becoming the footballer with the most titles in history.

Messi’s current club, Inter Miami, recently won the MLS regular season championship, bringing Messi’s total number of titles to 46, making him the most decorated footballer in history. In addition to this, Messi holds 56 individual honors. To mark this achievement, *Marca* presented him with the award at Inter Miami's home ground.

The trophy's creator, Carlos Benavides, commented: "I materialized an idea presented by *Marca*. I encountered no difficulties, but it took a long time to prepare. I spent three months on it before the Copa América, and people found something that could represent Messi."

*Marca*’s director, Juan Ignacio Gallardo, added: "During my eight years as director, I’ve had the privilege of awarding Messi many times, and I’ve always believed this wouldn’t be the last. Seeing you again excites me just as much, but I know I won’t be giving this award to anyone else. Some limits, in my view, are unreachable, and you are unmatched. With 102 total team and individual honors, this is your 103rd. You represent the pinnacle of excellence — you are the champion of champions."

Inter Miami’s president, Jorge Mas, also shared his thoughts: "Welcome to Inter Miami’s home, which is also Messi’s home. Today, I not only want to highlight Messi’s football side but also his personal side as a family man. What impressed me most is that when Inter Miami was founded, it was born from a family’s dream to transform sports in the U.S., and Messi, as a man of integrity, contributed to this."

A massive mural in tribute to Messi was also unveiled at the event. The artist, Javier Tortosa, said: "We wanted to create something timeless. We wanted to reflect the theme of family. This piece shows how you embrace the world... and how the world embraces you."

David Aganzo, president of the Spanish Footballers' Association, remarked: "We’re fortunate to be here, but what I admire more is Messi as a person, someone who spreads the values of sport. For someone who’s reached the top like him to convey those values to kids, helping them grow with the joy he shares, is remarkable. He’s loved by both the Spanish Footballers' Association and the International Federation of Professional Footballers. We adore him, and he continues to win titles in a wonderful country, spreading values only he can."