Lionel Messi wins 2026 Princess of Asturias Sports Award

Lionel Messi, already the most decorated footballer in history, has received the 2026 Princess of Asturias Award for Sports. The jury lauded the 39-year-old's on-field humility and his off-field dedication to "the most disadvantaged children."

"The player who has won the most titles in the history of football has also earned the respect and admiration of all for his exemplary behavior on the field and for his consistency, humility, and commitment to collective play," the award committee stated in its ruling. Beyond his "dazzling talent" and "exceptional sporting career," Messi has undertaken "formidable and continuous solidarity work to promote access to education and healthcare for the most disadvantaged children," the judges noted.

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The player who has won the most titles in the history of football has also earned the respect and admiration of all for his exemplary behavior on the field and for his constancy, humility, and commitment to collective play.

The Princess of Asturias Awards, established in 1981 and considered among the most prestigious in the Ibero-American world, each come with a 50,000 euro prize and a sculpture by the late artist Joan Miró. The awards ceremony, presided over by Princess Leonor and King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia, is scheduled for October in Oviedo, the capital of Asturias.

Messi, preparing to become the first player to participate in six World Cups, was chosen from 27 nominations representing 12 nationalities. This marks the sixth of eight awards presented annually by the Princess of Asturias Foundation. Last year, the sports award went to American tennis player Serena Williams. Previous recipients include Rafael Nadal, Iker Casillas, Xavi Hernández, the Brazilian national football team, the New York Marathon, and the Refugee Olympic Team.

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Beyond his dazzling talent and exceptional sporting career, Messi has undertaken formidable and continuous solidarity work to promote access to education and the healthcare of the most disadvantaged children.