Thursday was a very special day for Lionel Messi. The global superstar was honored with the MARCA America Award, given to the Argentinian for his incredible achievements, becoming the player with the most titles in the history of the sport.

MARCA held a special event to present Messi with the recognition, held at Chase Stadium, the home of Inter Miami. Messi was seated in the front, and was excited particularly during two moments throughout the event: when he received a special painting and ultimately the MARCA America Award.

Lionel Messi is the player with the most collective titles

First, Messi was presented with a beautiful painting, done by Javier Tortosa. Tortosa spent over three months finishing the painting, and Messi reacted happily and then exchanged some pleasant words with the artist.

Then came a beautiful video presentation detailing Messi’s trophies, divided by club and international awards, followed by his individual awards. Once the video ended, it was time to present Messi with the specially-made MARCA America Award, sculpted by Carlos Benavidez.

Messi then stepped onto the stage and was handed the award by Inter Miami owner Jorge Mas and MARCA CEO Juan Ignacio Gallardo. The three posed for photos before Messi spoke about what the award meant to him.