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Leo Messi was awarded the Princess of Asturias Award for Sports 2026 this Wednesday, the most prestigious sports recognition in Spain, granted by the Princess of Asturias Foundation in Oviedo.
The jury, chaired by swimmer Teresa Perales —who herself won the same award in 2010—, selected the Argentine star from 27 candidates hailing from 12 different nationalities.
The jury's statement highlighted Messi's "dazzling talent," his "exceptional sports career," and his "formidable and ongoing charitable work to promote access to education and healthcare for underprivileged children."
The text also emphasized that the footballer "has earned the respect and admiration of everyone for his consistency, humility, and commitment to the team play."
Messi reacted to the award with a message on Instagram: "I want to sincerely thank the jury and the Foundation for this recognition, which is a great honor for me."
Inter Miami CF, his current club in Major League Soccer in the United States, also publicly congratulated him, highlighting "the values he represents and the greatness with which he has inspired millions, both on and especially off the field."
Born on June 24, 1987, in Rosario, Argentina, Messi trained at Newell's Old Boys before moving to Barcelona at the age of 13 to join FC Barcelona's La Masía, where he made his first team debut in 2004.
Regarded as the most successful footballer of all time, he has amassed 47 titles in his career, including four Champions League titles, ten Spanish leagues, seven Copas del Rey, two Copa América titles, and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar with the Argentine national team.
Individually, he won the Ballon d'Or on eight occasions, the FIFA The Best award three times, the European Golden Shoe in six seasons, and the Laureus award twice — in 2020 and 2023 — being the only male footballer to receive this recognition as the best athlete of the year.
He also holds the Guinness World Record for the most goals scored in a calendar year, with 91 goals scored in 2012.
Outside of the playing field, Messi has been a UNICEF ambassador since 2010 and directs the Leo Messi Foundation, which is dedicated to promoting access to education and healthcare for vulnerable children.
The recognition comes at a time of peak sports relevance: Argentina will debut in the 2026 World Cup on June 16, although Messi is dealing with a muscle issue in his left hamstring reported at the end of May, which has raised concerns within the albiceleste circle.
On the club level, the Argentine star remains linked to Inter Miami until 2028, with an estimated salary between 70 and 80 million dollars per year.
The ceremony for the Princess of Asturias Award is scheduled for October 23, 2026 at the Teatro Campoamor in Oviedo, in the presence of Princess Leonor of Bourbon.
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