Lionel Messi received a major honour in Spain on Friday, as the Argentine football icon was presented with the 2026 Princess of Asturias Award for Sports in Oviedo. The Inter Miami star was welcomed by enthusiastic supporters during his visit, which culminated in a ceremony at the Campoamor Theatre.

Messi received the award from Princess Leonor, heir to the Spanish throne. His selection was announced in June 2026 in recognition of his exceptional football career and sustained charitable work supporting education and healthcare for disadvantaged children.

The award jury described Messi as the most successful footballer in history in terms of titles won. It also praised his consistency, humility, commitment to teamwork and contribution to society beyond the pitch.

Princess Leonor Praises Messi’s Legacy

During the ceremony, Princess Leonor highlighted Messi’s remarkable career and the influence he has had on football supporters around the world. His performances, she noted, have the power to bring people together through the shared excitement of watching the game.

His ability to make decisive choices in fractions of a second and his willingness to put collective success ahead of personal glory were also central to the recognition of his career.

Following the presentation, Messi shared his appreciation on Instagram, describing the Princess of Asturias Award for Sports as a tremendous honour. He also congratulated the other recipients and said he had enjoyed meeting them.

From Barcelona to Inter Miami: A Career Full of Trophies

Barcelona was the defining chapter of Messi’s club career. He joined the club’s youth academy in 2000 and made his first-team debut in 2004. Over the following years, he became one of the most influential players in the club’s history before leaving in 2021.

His Barcelona honours include four UEFA Champions League titles, 10 La Liga championships and seven Copa del Rey trophies. After two seasons with Paris Saint-Germain, Messi moved to Inter Miami in Major League Soccer.

His achievements with Argentina have been equally significant. He captained the national team to the 2022 FIFA World Cup title and has also won multiple Copa América trophies.

Messi’s individual honours include a record eight Ballon d’Or awards. His extraordinary collection of trophies and individual records has secured his place among the most decorated footballers of all time.

Recognition for His Charity Work

The award recognises more than Messi’s achievements on the pitch. Through the Leo Messi Foundation, he has supported initiatives aimed at improving access to education and healthcare for children in vulnerable situations.

The jury praised his continued charitable work alongside his sporting achievements, highlighting the values of humility, consistency and teamwork that have shaped his career.

Established in 1981, the Princess of Asturias Awards recognise outstanding contributions in a range of international fields. Each award includes a Joan Miró sculpture, a diploma, an insignia and a cash prize of €50,000.

This year’s recipients also included British writer Julian Barnes, American astronaut Christina Koch and musician Patti Smith, among other distinguished figures.

For Messi, the honour adds another significant milestone to an already extraordinary career. It recognises not only his record-breaking success in football but also his efforts to improve the lives of children beyond the game.