Lionel Messi has received the 2026 Princess of Asturias Award for Sports, recognising his remarkable football career and his continued efforts to improve access to education and healthcare for disadvantaged children.
The Argentina star collected the award on Friday, October 23, at the Campoamor Theatre in Oviedo, Spain. Princess Leonor presented the honour during a ceremony attended by members of the Spanish royal family and other distinguished award recipients.
The award adds another international distinction to Messi’s career, which includes eight Ballon d’Or titles, the 2022 FIFA World Cup with Argentina and numerous domestic and international trophies.
Why Messi Received the Award
The Princess of Asturias Foundation selected Messi in June 2026. Its jury highlighted his exceptional sporting achievements, consistency, humility and commitment to teamwork, alongside his charitable activities.
Messi became the first individual footballer to receive the Princess of Asturias Award for Sports, according to his club, Inter Miami CF.
The jury also recognised his work to support access to education and healthcare for children in vulnerable situations through charitable initiatives, including the Leo Messi Foundation.
The award is intended to recognise sporting careers that promote the benefits of sport and demonstrate a wider commitment to society. It is one of the major distinctions presented annually by the Princess of Asturias Foundation.
A Career That Spans Football’s Biggest Stages
Messi developed his talent at Barcelona, joining the club’s youth academy at the age of 13 before making his first-team debut in 2004. He went on to become one of the club’s most successful players, winning 35 trophies during his time with the senior team.
His achievements include four UEFA Champions League titles and 10 La Liga championships. He later played for Paris Saint-Germain before joining Inter Miami in Major League Soccer.
With Argentina, Messi reached the summit of international football by winning the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. He also helped the national team win the Copa América in 2021 and 2024.
Individually, his eight Ballon d’Or awards underline his sustained influence on the game across different eras.
Recognition Beyond the Pitch
The award reflects a broader view of sporting achievement, recognising not only results and records but also contributions to society.
Through his charitable work, Messi has supported efforts to improve children's access to education and healthcare. These activities formed a central part of the jury’s explanation for selecting him.
His career has also helped strengthen football’s international reach. Since joining Inter Miami, he has attracted greater attention to Major League Soccer and contributed to the club’s growing profile.
The Princess of Asturias Awards cover several fields, including sports, science, literature, the arts and international cooperation. Previous recipients of the sports award include tennis champions Rafael Nadal and Serena Williams, along with other prominent athletes.
For Messi, the 2026 honour recognises a career built on sustained success at club and international level, while drawing attention to his work outside football.
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