Lionel Messi has been awarded the 2026 Princess of Asturias Award for Sports, one of the most prestigious honours in world sport.
He is the first individual footballer to receive it.
The jury announced its decision in Oviedo on 3 June 2026. It cited his dazzling talent, his exceptional sporting career and his continued charitable work to promote access to education and healthcare for disadvantaged children.
It also praised his exemplary behaviour on the field, his consistency, his humility and his commitment to the team game.
Messi, who plays for Inter Miami, was chosen from 28 candidacies. He was nominated by David González, president of Club Vetusta University of Oviedo Triathlon. He has won 47 titles, including the 2022 World Cup with Argentina. Individually, he has won eight Ballon d’Or titles and two consecutive MLS MVP awards.
Previous winners in the sports category include Rafael Nadal, Michael Schumacher, Serena Williams and Eliud Kipchoge.
Messi reacted in a video from Argentina’s training camp in Kansas City, saying he was very happy and grateful.