Messi was presented with the 2026 Princess of Asturias Award for Sports on Friday 23 October 2026 in Oviedo, Spain. The ceremony, presided over by the King and Queen, recognised the Argentine‑born forward’s extraordinary career and his long‑running charitable work that promotes education and healthcare for disadvantaged children.
The award was announced in June, when Argentina’s squad was in Kansas City ahead of the World Cup. Messi, 39, arrived in Oviedo the day before with his wife Antonela Roccuzzo. Hundreds of fans lined the streets and he signed autographs outside his hotel, a moment captured by the press.
During the ceremony Messi said, "It is a great pride to be able to receive this recognition". He added, "It is a privilege to be here with you all". The jury, chaired by foundation president Teresa Perales, cited his talent, his sporting career and his charitable work as the reasons for the honour.
Messi, who spent 20 years at Barcelona after arriving from Argentina as a teenager, is an eight‑time Ballon d’Or winner and won the 2022 World Cup. He also lifted two Copa América titles with Argentina. The award marks the first time an individual footballer has been honoured by the committee.
Messi told EFE that he accepts Argentina’s extra‑time loss to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final as part of his football journey. He added, "I never stopped trying to win everything that lay ahead of me". The Argentine forward also said his late father Jorge was "very happy" about the award, a sentiment he shared in a recent interview.
Following the ceremony, Messi is due to rejoin Inter Miami for the MLS match against the New York Red Bulls in Harrison, New Jersey, two days later. Coach Cristian González said he had no concerns about the travel and that the player will be ready for the match.
The Princess of Asturias Award for Sports is one of the most prestigious recognitions in the country, and Messi’s receipt of it underscores his lasting impact on football and society alike.
