By Joycelyn Ellakeche Adah
Argentine football star Lionel Messi has received the 2026 Princess of Asturias Award for Sports in recognition of his achievements in football and charitable work supporting disadvantaged children.
The 39-year-old World Cup winner received the honour on Friday at the Campoamor Theatre in Oviedo, Spain, where Spain’s King Felipe VI, Queen Letizia and Princess Leonor attended the ceremony.
Princess Leonor presented the award to Messi after paying tribute to his career, highlighting his ability to make difficult decisions in fractions of a second while putting teamwork above personal recognition.
“If the story of human imperfection has ever found moments of passionate unity, it has been through sporting achievements,” Leonor said.
“That is why it makes sense to look at Messi and his unparalleled career today. He turned the extraordinary into routine, interpreting the game and making the most effective decisions in fractions of a second, while respecting the collective essence of the game above his own ego,” she added.
The award jury described Messi as the most decorated player in football history, recognising his talent, perseverance and commitment to teamwork. It also cited his efforts to improve access to education and healthcare for disadvantaged children.
The Princess of Asturias Foundation announced Messi as the award winner on June 3. He becomes the first footballer to receive the sports award individually.
Born in Rosario, Argentina, Messi spent more than two decades at Barcelona before moving to Paris Saint-Germain and later joining Inter Miami in the United States.
He captained Argentina to victory at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar and has won a record eight Ballon d’Or awards.
The Princess of Asturias Awards are presented annually in Spain to recognise outstanding contributions in fields including sports, science, culture and international cooperation.
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