Messi Wins 2026 Princess of Asturias Sports Award in Spain for Football Legacy and Charity Work
Spain: Lionel Messi has received the 2026 Princess of Asturias Award for Sports, adding another major honour to his football career while gaining recognition for his charitable work supporting disadvantaged children. The Argentine football star received the award on Friday during a ceremony at the Campoamor Theatre in Oviedo, Spain.
The event was attended by Spain's King Felipe VI, Queen Letizia and Princess Leonor. Footage shows the 39-year-old arriving at the venue and waving to cheering supporters wearing Argentina shirts.
He greeted officials outside before entering the theatre for the ceremony. Princess Leonor presented Messi with the award after delivering a speech highlighting his achievements and influence on the sport.
Princess Leonor Praises Messi's Legacy During the ceremony, Leonor spoke about how sporting achievements can bring people together and pointed to Messi's remarkable career as an example. "If the story of human imperfection has ever found moments of passionate unity, it has been through sporting achievements," she said.
She also praised the footballer's ability to make difficult decisions under pressure while prioritising his team. "That is why it makes sense to look at Messi and his unparalleled career today […] He turned the extraordinary into routine, interpreting the game and making the most effective decisions in fractions of a second, while respecting the collective essence of the game above his own ego," Leonor continued.
The award jury recognised Messi as the most decorated player in football history, highlighting his talent, perseverance and commitment to teamwork. His charitable efforts were also a key part of the recognition, particularly initiatives aimed at improving access to education and healthcare for children from disadvantaged backgrounds.
A Career Spanning Barcelona To Inter Miami The Princess of Asturias Foundation announced Messi as the 2026 award recipient on June 3. He became the first footballer to receive the sports honour individually.
Born in Rosario, Argentina, Messi spent more than 20 years at FC Barcelona, establishing himself as one of the club's most successful players. He later moved to Paris Saint-Germain before joining Inter Miami in the United States.
His international career reached a major milestone in 2022, when he captained Argentina to victory at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Messi has also won a record eight Ballon d'Or awards, recognising his achievements in football.