CORNERFLICK
Lionel Messi has added another prize to his collection, receiving the Princess of Asturias Award for Sport in Oviedo on Friday, 23 October 2026. It is the first time the sports prize has gone to a footballer as an individual.
A first for the award
Messi arrived in Oviedo on Thursday to a large reception, with hundreds of fans, including children and Argentine supporters, gathering outside his accommodation. He came with his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, and spent a few minutes near the crowd signing shirts.
The main ceremony took place at the Campoamor Theatre, where he was honoured alongside the other 2026 winners, including Patti Smith, Julian Barnes, Studio Ghibli and Christina Koch. Spain’s royal family attended the event.
Why the jury chose him
The Princess of Asturias Foundation said the jury selected Messi for his “exceptional sporting career” and his lasting influence on football. It also pointed to his charity work and efforts to help disadvantaged children access education and healthcare, as well as his professionalism, humility, consistency at the highest level and commitment to team play.
The foundation described Messi as the most successful footballer in history by trophies, listing 47 titles. He built much of that record at Barcelona, where he said Spain and Catalonia became a major part of his life and where his children were born.