Argentine football legend Lionel Messi added another prestigious honour to his glittering career on Friday, receiving the 2026 Princess of Asturias Award for Sports in recognition of his record-breaking achievements and charitable work supporting disadvantaged children.
Footage shows the 39-year-old World Cup winner arriving at the Campoamor Theatre in Oviedo, waving to cheering fans holding Argentina shirts before greeting officials outside the venue. Spain’s King Felipe VI, Queen Letizia and Princess Leonor are also seen arriving. Inside, Leonor pays tribute to Messi’s extraordinary career before presenting him with the award.
“If the story of human imperfection has ever found moments of passionate unity, it has been through sporting achievements,” Princess Leonor said.
“That is why it makes sense to look at Messi and his unparalleled career today […] He turned the extraordinary into routine, interpreting the game and making the most effective decisions in fractions of a second, while respecting the collective essence of the game above his own ego,” she continued.
The award jury praised Messi as the most decorated player in football history, celebrating his exceptional talent, perseverance and commitment to teamwork. It also recognised his efforts to improve access to education and healthcare for disadvantaged children.
The Princess of Asturias Foundation announced Messi as the winner on June 3, making him the first footballer to receive the sports award individually.
Born in Rosario, Argentina, Messi spent more than two decades at Barcelona before joining Paris Saint-Germain and later Inter Miami. He captained Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar in 2022 and has won a record eight Ballon d’Or awards.
The Princess of Asturias Awards are presented annually in Spain, honouring outstanding achievements in sport, science, culture, international cooperation and other fields.
Source: Viory
