Messi Receives the Princess of Asturias Award for Sports

Argentine star Lionel Messi received the 2026 Princess of Asturias Award for Sports, one of Spain's most prestigious honors. The award was presented at a ceremony held at the historic Teatro Campoamor in Oviedo. It was handed over by Princess Leonor of Asturias, heir to the throne and patron of the award, and members of the Spanish Royal Family attended the ceremony.

With this award, Messi's total number of individual awards reached 1,000. This sets a new world record. The award committee selected Messi not only for his achievements on the pitch but also for his contributions to the health and education of disadvantaged children through the Leo Messi Foundation.

Messi is the first football player to receive this award as an individual. Previously, the football category had been awarded to the Spanish national team in 2010, and in 2012 it was given jointly to Xavi Hernandez and Iker Casillas.

In an emotional speech at the ceremony, Messi dedicated the award to his father, Jorge Messi, who passed away last August. Messi said that his father was very happy and proud when he learned the award would be given to his son. The guests and fans filling the hall gave the 39-year-old star a standing ovation that lasted several minutes.