Messi Wins 2026 Princess of Asturias Award for Sports

Lionel Messi, the renowned Argentine footballer, has won the 2026 Princess of Asturias Award for Sports, announced by the Princess of Asturias Foundation on Wednesday. The award recognizes Messi's illustrious career, marked by sustained excellence and significant global impact in sports.

Born on June 24, 1987, in Rosario, Argentina, Messi began his career in the youth system of Newell's Old Boys before joining FC Barcelona's La Masia academy at age 13. He made his first-team debut in 2004 and established himself as a football legend over 15 years at Barcelona, winning 35 trophies, including four UEFA Champions League titles, ten La Liga titles, and seven Copa del Rey trophies.

After his tenure at Barcelona, Messi joined Paris Saint-Germain and later moved to Inter Miami CF in Major League Soccer. He has also captained Argentina to victory in the FIFA World Cup in Qatar 2022.

The award ceremony will take place in October in Oviedo, Spain, with the King and Queen of Spain in attendance.