Messi becomes the first footballer to win the Asturias Award as an individual
Lionel Messi received the 2026 Princess of Asturias Award for Sports and became the first footballer to win it as an individual. The award recognized both his achievements on the pitch and his work helping children.
Argentine star Lionel Messi received the 2026 Princess of Asturias Award for Sports at a ceremony held Friday in Oviedo. Messi, the first footballer to win this award as an individual, received it from Spain's Crown Princess Leonor. The ceremony took place at the Campoamor Theatre with the attendance of King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia.
The jury cited the 39-year-old forward's achievements on the pitch and his support for access to education and healthcare for disadvantaged children as the reasons for the award. According to the jury, Messi is one of the most successful footballers in history and throughout his career he has represented humility, team spirit and fair play. In her speech, Leonor also praised Messi's ability to read the game and make the right decisions under pressure. She stressed that Messi never put his individual fame ahead of the interests of his team.
Messi's career includes eight Ballon d'Or awards, the 2022 World Cup won with Argentina, and numerous club titles. Over 21 years he played for Barcelona, where he became the club's all-time leading goalscorer. After leaving Barcelona in 2021, he spent two seasons at Paris Saint-Germain before transferring to Inter Miami. He continues to play in Major League Soccer.
Before the award ceremony, on Thursday in Oviedo, Messi took part in an event with children, where he emphasized the importance of accepting defeat as well as victory.
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