Lionel Messi collected the Princess of Asturias Award for Sport in Oviedo. Spain coach Luis de la Fuente, speaking to the media there, praised Messi but said he would not nominate him for the Ballon d'Or and would rather see a Spanish player win it.
Oviedo ceremony
De la Fuente addressed the media in Oviedo, where Messi was honoured with the prize. He said: "It is an honour for me to be present at this important event on a global level. Today Oviedo is the centre of attention, not only in sport and football, but in other fields too, and this is a source of pride for all Spaniards."
Praise for Messi
De la Fuente said: "I believe the legacy that Messi leaves in the history of sport and football is exceptional. He is a model of many values on both the human and sporting levels, and it is always prestigious for figures of this stature to receive honours of this kind."
Ballon d'Or stance
Asked about the Ballon d'Or, De la Fuente said: "No, no, no... I will always be happy when a Spanish player wins it."
He also said: "Those responsible for taking such decisions will certainly assess these details. There are great figures in Spanish football, such as the names I mentioned, alongside other big names too. And if they see that awarding the prize is appropriate, that would be wonderful for Spanish football."