Lionel Messi Receives Major Honor with 2026 Princess of Asturias Sports Award

Inter Miami CF captain Leo Messi has received the 2026 Princess of Asturias Award for Sports, one of the world's most respected honors for people whose careers have made a major impact both in their field and on society.

Given each year by the Princess of Asturias Foundation in Spain, the award recognizes individuals and organizations from different areas whose work leaves a lasting influence on society and goes beyond the limits of their profession.

"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," said Lionel Messi in a video from Argentina's training camp.

"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.” added Lionel Messi.

"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." added Lionel Messi.

The Princess of Asturias Award honors people and organizations for outstanding work in areas such as Arts, Literature, Social Sciences, Sports and more others. This year, a jury made up of several members, including foundation president Teresa Perales, selected Messi as the recipient of this award.

"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," said the jury statement.

"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 behavior on the field and for his consistency, humility and commitment to the team game." added the jury statement.