Lionel Messi Makes History with 2026 Asturias Sports Award

Lionel Messi has been awarded the 2026 Princess of Asturias Award for Sports, making history as the first individual footballer to receive this prestigious Spanish honor. The award was presented by Princess Leonor of Spain during a ceremony at the Campoamor Theatre in Oviedo on October 23, in the presence of King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia.

The Princess of Asturias Foundation announced the award on June 3, following a jury's recommendation chaired by Spanish Paralympic swimming champion Teresa Perales. The jury recognized Messi not only for his remarkable achievements on the pitch, including winning the FIFA World Cup and eight Ballon d'Or awards, but also for his charitable efforts to support disadvantaged children.

The award includes a sculpture by Joan Miró, a diploma, an insignia, and a cash prize of €50,000. Messi expressed excitement about the honor, acknowledging its significance after spending over two decades in Spain with Barcelona.