Messi to receive the 'Creu de Sant Jordi'

Lionel Andrés Messi will receive the 'Creu de Sant Jordi' award. The first team captain and FC Barcelona player since the age of 13 will receive the award from the Catalan regional government, one of highest distinctions given out annually by the 'Generalitat de Catalunya'. 

The Argentine is the FC Barcelona footballer with most titles in the Club's history (34), the Club's top scorer (598 goals), is currently second on the all time appearance list with 682, only behind Xavi Hernández and the player who has won most games as a Barça player (484). 

Furthermore, he has won the Ballon d'Or five times as well the Golden Shoe, the Pichichi award for La Liga top scorer and other various individual and team prizes. This season he leads the race once more for the Golden Shoe. 

The 'Creu de Sant Jordi' distinction was created in 1981 to recognise individuals who, through their own merits, have served Catalonia in the protection of its identity.