The author details receiving the Princess of Asturias award for Social Sciences, an event shared with football icon Lionel Messi, who was honored with the Sport award. Messi is portrayed as remarkably modest, straightforward, and patient with public demands. During his acceptance speech, the author drew a profound lesson for contemporary Europe from the recent World Cup final, where the disciplined Spanish national team triumphed over Lionel Messi's Argentina. The author highlighted Spain's rapid-passing 'tiquitaca' style as a metaphor for successful teamwork and individual genius. This analogy suggested that European nations could achieve invincibility by combining diversity and unity, emphasizing the critical roles of truth, trust, and collective effort in safeguarding a free Europe amidst ongoing crises. The ceremony took place in Oviedo, Spain, in October 2026.