Argentinian football icon Lionel Messi has been awarded the 2026 Princess of Asturias Award for Sports, in recognition of his exceptional career achievements and global influence in football.
The announcement was made on Wednesday by the jury responsible for selecting the laureates, with the Princess of Asturias Foundation confirming Messi as this year’s recipient.
According to the Foundation, Messi was selected for a career marked by sustained excellence, extraordinary sporting success and a lasting global impact both on and off the pitch.
Born in Rosario, Argentina, on June 24, 1987, Messi began his football journey with Newell’s Old Boys before joining FC Barcelona’s La Masia academy at the age of 13.
He made his senior debut for Barcelona in 2004 and went on to become one of the most decorated footballers in history during his time at the Spanish club.
Across more than 15 years at Barcelona, Messi won 35 trophies, including four UEFA Champions League titles, 10 La Liga championships, seven Copa del Rey titles, three FIFA Club World Cups and multiple domestic and continental honours.
He later played for Paris Saint-Germain before joining Inter Miami CF in Major League Soccer, where he currently continues his career.
On the international stage, Messi led Argentina to victory at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and has also won two Copa América titles.
He has accumulated 47 career team trophies and numerous individual accolades, including eight Ballon d’Or awards, three FIFA Best Men’s Player awards and six European Golden Boots.
Messi also holds the Guinness World Record for scoring 91 goals in a single calendar year in 2012 and has twice been named Laureus World Sportsman of the Year.
The Foundation highlighted his resilience in overcoming early health challenges related to a growth disorder, as well as his role as a global ambassador for the sport.
It also noted his humanitarian work through the Leo Messi Foundation and his involvement with UNICEF as a Goodwill Ambassador.
According to the organisers, the award recognises individuals whose careers promote the values of sport, social commitment and positive global influence.
A total of 27 nominations from 12 nationalities were considered for this year’s sports category.
The Princess of Asturias Awards, now in their 46th edition, honour achievements across eight categories, with previous winners including Studio Ghibli, Patti Smith and leading scientific and cultural institutions.
The award ceremony is scheduled to take place in October in Oviedo, Spain, and will be presided over by the King and Queen of Spain, alongside the Princess of Asturias and Infanta Sofía.
Each laureate receives a Joan Miró-designed sculpture, a diploma, an insignia and a €50,000 cash prize.
