Inter Miami CF and Argentina star Lionel Messi has received the 2026 Princess of Asturias Award for Sports, marking him as the first football player to achieve this honor from the committee.
“Hello! We are currently focused in Kansas City with the national team, but I woke up to a flood of congratulatory messages about the Princess of Asturias award,” Messi shared in a video from Argentina’s training camp as they prepare for the upcoming World Cup.
“It brings me great pride to receive this recognition, especially for its significance and the acknowledgment of my contributions both on and off the pitch,” Messi expressed.
“I am truly happy and extremely grateful. I wanted to share this with you all and send a big hug. Thank you, and see you soon.”
The Princess of Asturias Award honors distinguished individuals and organizations for outstanding contributions in various fields, including Sports, Arts, Literature, Social Sciences, Scientific and Technical Research, and International Cooperation.
The award was conferred upon Messi by a jury that includes several members, chaired by Teresa Perales.
“In addition to his incredible talent, Messi has an extraordinary sporting career and a long-standing commitment to charitable efforts aimed at improving access to education and healthcare for disadvantaged children,” the jury’s statement highlighted. “Leo Messi, the player with the most titles in football history, is also respected and admired for his exemplary conduct, consistency, humility, and dedication to teamwork.”
Messi, who has established himself as one of the most celebrated footballers in history, has an impressive list of accomplishments, including winning the 2022 World Cup, securing consecutive Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024, and earning an Olympic gold medal in Beijing with Argentina.
At the club level, he has achieved 10 La Liga titles and four Champions League victories with Barcelona, along with the 2025 MLS Cup, the 2024 Supporters’ Shield, and the 2023 Leagues Cup with Inter Miami.
His individual accolades include eight Ballon d’Or titles, two consecutive MLS MVP awards, and nine La Liga MVP honors. Previous winners of the Princess of Asturias Award for Sports have included notable figures like Rafael Nadal, Michael Schumacher, Serena Williams, and Eliud Kipchoge.
Xavi Hernandez and Iker Casillas shared this honor in 2012, while the entire Spanish national team was awarded in 2010.
Argentina’s World Cup campaign kicks off on June 16 against Algeria, followed by matches against Austria and Jordan as they defend their title.