Lionel Messi honoured with prestigious Princess of Asturias Sports Award
New York, June 4
Inter Miami CF star and reigning world champion Lionel Messi has been awarded the 2026 Princess of Asturias Award for Sports, becoming the first individual footballer to receive the prestigious honour.
The Princess of Asturias Award recognises individuals and institutions for outstanding achievements in fields including arts, literature, social sciences, scientific and technical research, international cooperation, and sport.
The jury, which included foundation president Teresa Perales, voted to award the honour to Messi, as per ESPN.
"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 recognised not only for what I do on the pitch but also off the pitch. 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," Messi said.
Messi received the award after a highly decorated career that has made him one of the most accomplished footballers in history. He won the 2022 FIFA World Cup with Argentina, along with the 2021 and 2024 Copa America titles, and an Olympic gold medal in Beijing.
At the club level, Messi has claimed 10 La Liga titles and four UEFA Champions League trophies with FC Barcelona, as well as the 2025 MLS Cup, the 2024 Supporters' Shield, and the 2023 Leagues Cup with Inter Miami CF.
Individually, he has won eight Ballon d'Or awards, two MLS MVP awards, and was named La Liga MVP nine times. Previous winners of the Princess of Asturias Award for Sports include Rafael Nadal, Michael Schumacher, Serena Williams, and Eliud Kipchoge.
— ANI
Reader Comments
A well-deserved honor. But let's not forget, this is an award for sportsmanship and contribution off the pitch too. Messi's humility and charity work are what make him truly great. India can learn a lot from such athletes who use their fame for good.
The GOAT, no arguments! But does this mean Ronaldo fans will now shift goalposts? 😜 In India, we debate Messi vs Ronaldo endlessly, but awards like this put the debate to rest. He has done it all—World Cup, Copa America, Olympic gold, and now this. Respect.
I'm a huge football fan from the UK and I think this is brilliant. Messi's impact on the sport is immeasurable. However, I wonder if this award also reflects a broader recognition of football as a global cultural force. It's good to see the Princess of Asturias Foundation acknowledging that.
No doubt Messi deserves it. But I wish the Indian media and government would also promote football more. We have so much talent in this country, but the infrastructure is lacking. Maybe one day an Indian footballer can win something like this. Till then, we live through Messi's greatness. 🙏
Great choice! But I think this award could have gone to someone else too—like a Paralympian or a lesser-known sportsperson who overcame adversity. Not taking away from Messi, but the Princess of Asturias has a history of honoring diverse athletes. Let's hope they keep that balance.
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