Lionel Messi, often hailed as one of the greatest footballers in history, has achieved yet another landmark moment in his illustrious career. The 38-year-old Argentine icon has been officially declared the recipient of Spain’s highly coveted 2026 Princess of Asturias Award for Sports.
The Inter Miami forward triumphed over 27 other global nominees representing 12 nations, in a decision announced by a jury chaired by Paralympic swimmer Teresa Perales. This recognition holds particular historical value, as it marks the first time that the Princess of Asturias Award for Sports has been conferred upon an individual footballer. In previous years, the award had been bestowed on legendary groups such as Spain’s 2010 World Cup-winning team and the celebrated Barcelona-Real Madrid duo of Xavi and Iker Casillas. Messi, however, stands alone as the first solo recipient from the footballing world.
Founded in 1981, the Princess of Asturias Awards (previously known as the Prince of Asturias Awards until 2014) are among the most prestigious global honours across the fields of culture, science, and humanitarian work. Often regarded as “Spain’s Nobel Prizes”, these awards are presented annually by the Princess of Asturias Foundation to individuals or institutions that have made exceptional contributions in areas such as the Arts, Literature, Social Sciences, and Sports.
According to the foundation’s official guidelines, the Sports category recognises “careers that serve as an example of the benefits that sporting practice brings to humanity through the promotion, development, and advancement of sport and its social impact.”
Messi’s sporting legacy is unparalleled — with 47 career trophies, eight Ballon d’Or titles, and a 2022 FIFA World Cup victory — yet the jury’s choice extended beyond his extraordinary performances on the pitch.
The foundation highlighted the Inter Miami captain’s significant social influence and his long-standing commitment to philanthropy. Through the Leo Messi Foundation, he has supported key educational and healthcare initiatives for disadvantaged and vulnerable children around the world.
The panel also commended Messi as a global role model who overcame early-life challenges, including his well-documented battle with a growth hormone deficiency, to become a symbol of humility, teamwork, and perseverance. His reputation as a sporting ambassador continues to grow, underscored by his recent selection for Argentina’s squad for a record sixth World Cup appearance.
Messi’s recognition with the Princess of Asturias Award further cements his status not only as a football legend but also as a beacon of inspiration beyond the sport.
