Lionel Messi receives Princess of Asturias Award for Sport in Oviedo, Spain on Oct 23, 2026

Lionel Messi receives Princess of Asturias Award for Sport in Oviedo, Spain on Oct 23, 2026

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Lionel Messi has made history in Oviedo, Spain, becoming the first individual footballer to receive the Princess of Asturias Award for Sport. Princess Leonor presented the honor on October 23, 2026, after the jury praised his extraordinary career and sustained philanthropy supporting disadvantaged children.

Historic Recognition at the Campoamor Theatre in Oviedo

Dressed in a black suit without a tie, Messi arrived in northern Spain to a roaring welcome from hundreds of fans chanting his name outside the historic Hotel de la Reconquista. Accompanied by his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, the Argentine forward was greeted by traditional bagpipe music before attending official engagements that included dining with King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia.

On Friday afternoon, the Teatro Campoamor in Oviedo played host to the official ceremony. Princess Leonor, the heir to the Spanish throne, presented Messi with the award and lauded his impact on the sport.

He turned the extraordinary into routine by reading the game and deciding on the most effective option in fractions of a second, while respecting the collective essence above ego.

Established in 1981, the Princess of Asturias Awards are often regarded as the Spanish-speaking world’s equivalent of the Nobel honors. The sports accolade includes a Joan Miró sculpture, a diploma, an insignia, and €50,000 in prize money. Previous individual winners in the sports category include tennis greats Rafael Nadal and Serena Williams, racing driver Michael Schumacher, and marathon record-breaker Eliud Kipchoge.

Philanthropy and Global Impact

The Princess of Asturias Foundation recognized the forward for his continued charitable work to promote access to education and healthcare for the most disadvantaged children. Messi’s athletic resume features eight Ballon d’Or titles, a FIFA World Cup victory with Argentina, and dozens of club trophies.

Messi has served as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador since 2010 and operates the Leo Messi Foundation, which targets pediatric health and educational access. After learning he had been selected, Messi acknowledged the importance Spain has held in his life, saying: This award has a very special value for me. He added hours prior to receiving the honor: I’m very happy and excited to receive this award, which goes beyond sports. I know the significance of this award because I lived in Spain for more than 20 years, and I know what this recognition means. Other prominent international figures honored alongside him at the ceremony included British author Julian Barnes, Japanese studio Studio Ghibli, singer Patti Smith, and astronaut Christina Koch.

Lionel Messi receives Princess of Asturias Award for Sport in Oviedo, Spain on Oct 23, 2026
Photo: Punch Newspapers

Reflections on the Golden Era at Barcelona

Speaking with the Spanish news agency EFE ahead of the ceremony, Messi reflected on his deep ties to Spain. He spent 21 years at Barcelona where he played in a side that dominated Spain and Europe under Pep Guardiola and Luis Enrique. He left the Catalan club in 2021. His career included multiple La Liga titles and UEFA Champions League triumphs. He subsequently spent two years at French giants Paris Saint-Germain before moving to Major League Soccer.

We were fortunate enough to win everything, and to do it the way we did. We enjoyed playing, winning and achieving important things, but above all, we enjoyed the day-to-day experience and training sessions. We had a great time.

Return to MLS Action in New Jersey

Messi is scheduled to fly back to the United States immediately after the gala. He will rejoin his club ahead of an October 24 fixture against the New York Red Bulls in Harrison, New Jersey.

Inter Miami coach Kily Gonzalez confirmed that the travel arrangement would not prevent the forward from participating. With the club having already secured its postseason berth, the team intends to balance Messi’s physical condition carefully as it prepares for the MLS Cup playoffs.

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