Lionel Messi Receives Spain’s Prestigious Princess of Asturias Award for Sports

Argentina football legend Lionel Messi has received the 2026 Princess of Asturias Award for Sports, one of Spain’s most prestigious honours, in recognition of his outstanding football career and charitable work supporting disadvantaged children.

The Inter Miami forward received the award in Oviedo, northern Spain, on Friday, October 23, during the 46th edition of the Princess of Asturias Awards, which recognise achievements across sports, science, culture and humanitarian work.

The award was announced on June 3 by the Princess of Asturias Foundation. Messi was selected by an international jury that highlighted his exceptional sporting achievements, consistency, humility and commitment to teamwork, alongside his efforts to improve access to education and healthcare for vulnerable children.

The Argentine star attended the ceremony amid a warm reception from supporters who gathered in Oviedo to welcome him. Spain’s Princess Leonor also received Messi and other award recipients ahead of the main ceremony, presenting them with the insignia associated with their honours.

Messi’s recognition reflects a career that has placed him among football’s most decorated players. During his time at Barcelona, he won numerous domestic and international trophies, including four UEFA Champions League titles and 10 La Liga championships. He later played for Paris Saint-Germain before joining Major League Soccer side Inter Miami.

At international level, Messi captained Argentina to victory at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar and has also won the Copa América. Individually, he has claimed a record eight Ballon d’Or awards, further strengthening his standing in the history of the sport.

Beyond football, the Princess of Asturias Foundation recognised Messi’s humanitarian contributions through the Leo Messi Foundation, which supports initiatives aimed at improving children’s access to healthcare and education. He has also served as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador since 2010.

The award is sometimes described in international media as Spain’s equivalent of a Nobel Prize because of its international prestige and wide range of categories. However, it is formally known as the Princess of Asturias Award for Sports and is distinct from the Nobel Prizes.

Each Princess of Asturias Award includes a sculpture designed by Joan Miró, a diploma, an insignia and a cash prize of €50,000.

Messi’s latest honour adds to a collection of individual and team achievements accumulated over two decades and recognises not only his success on the pitch but also his contribution to society through charitable initiatives.