Messi receives the 2026 Princess of Asturias Award for Sports

• Lionel Messi received the 2026 Princess of Asturias Award for Sports, in recognition of his extraordinary sporting career and his impact beyond the field. 

• Messi became the first individual footballer in history to receive this top Spanish award.

• One of the most prestigious international honors, the award recognises individuals and institutions whose achievements make a meaningful impact on society. 

• Founded in 1981, the Princess of Asturias Awards are the most prestigious in the Spanish-speaking world and come with prize money of €50,000 ($56,000).

• Over the past several decades, the awards have honored some of the most influential figures in the world.

• They encompass the arts, sciences and sports and are handed out annually in honour of efforts to improve human coexistence, solidarity and global cooperation.

• British author Julian Barnes, U.S astronaut Christina Koch and American singer Patti Smith, historian Timothy Garton Ash were among the other winners who received their prize on October 23.

• The ceremony took place at the Campoamor Theatre in Oviedo, Spain.

• Messi collected a formal roll of parchment from Princess Leonor, the heir to the Spanish throne after whom the awards are named.

• One of the greatest footballers of all time, Messi has won eight Ballon d’Or titles, a World Cup and dozens of trophies at club level.

• He spent 21 years at Barcelona where he played in a side that dominated Spain and Europe under Pep Guardiola and Luis Enrique.

• After leaving the Catalan club in 2021, Messi spent two years at French giants Paris Saint-Germain and currently plays for Inter Miami in MLS.

• Argentina’s all-time top goalscorer, assist provider and caps holder called time on his international career earlier this year.