Argentina captain and Inter Miami superstar Lionel Messi has added another remarkable achievement to his legendary career after being named the recipient of the 2026 Princess of Asturias Award for Sports.
The award makes Messi the first individual footballer ever to receive the prestigious honour, which recognizes exceptional contributions in sport and society.
Currently with Argentina’s national team in Kansas City preparing for the FIFA World Cup, Messi expressed his gratitude after learning of the recognition.
“Hi, We are already here concentrated in Kansas City with the national team but today I woke up to the news [of the award] with lots and lots of messages congratulating me on the Princess of Asturias award,” Messi said.
“The truth is that for me it is a great pride to be able to receive this recognition because of the importance it has and for the fact that it is recognized not only for what I do on the pitch but also off the pitch.
“I am very happy, and very grateful. I wanted to let you know and send a big hug to everyone. Thank you and see you soon.”
The Princess of Asturias Awards celebrate outstanding achievements across various fields, including sports, arts, literature, science, international cooperation and social sciences.
The award jury, led by foundation president Teresa Perales, highlighted Messi’s extraordinary influence both as an athlete and humanitarian.
“In addition to his dazzling talent, his exceptional sporting career and his remarkable and sustained charitable work to promote access to education and healthcare for the most disadvantaged children,” the jury’s statement read.
“Leo Messi, the player who has won the most titles in the history of football, has also earned the respect and admiration of everyone for his exemplary behaviour on the field and for his consistency, humility and commitment to the team game.”
Messi’s latest honour comes after a career packed with trophies and individual accolades.
At international level, he guided Argentina to World Cup glory in 2022 and lifted Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024. He also won Olympic gold with Argentina in Beijing.
His club achievements are equally impressive. During his glittering spell at Barcelona, Messi won 10 La Liga titles and four UEFA Champions League crowns before continuing his success in Major League Soccer with Inter Miami, helping the club secure the 2023 Leagues Cup, 2024 Supporters’ Shield and 2025 MLS Cup.
Individually, the Argentine legend has claimed a record eight Ballon d’Or awards, multiple league MVP honours and countless scoring records.
Messi now joins an illustrious list of previous recipients of the Princess of Asturias Award for Sports, including Rafael Nadal, Michael Schumacher, Serena Williams and Eliud Kipchoge.
Spanish football greats Xavi Hernandez and Iker Casillas shared the award in 2012, while Spain’s national team received the honour in 2010.
However, Messi is the first footballer to earn the recognition as an individual recipient.While celebrations continue, Messi’s immediate focus remains on Argentina’s World Cup title defence.
The reigning champions begin their campaign against Algeria on June 16 before facing Austria and Jordan in the group stage, with Messi once again expected to lead the charge as Argentina pursue another historic triumph.
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