Lionel Messi arrived in Spain to accept the 2026 Princesa de Asturias Award for Sports at the Teatro Campoamor in Oviedo, marking the first time the international distinction has been awarded to an individual football player, Infobae reported. The ceremony, presided over by the King and Queen of Spain as detailed by Página|12, honors both his career and his humanitarian work.

An Eleven-Member Jury Selected Messi for Talent and Charity

The 11-member jury, presided over by Paralympic swimmer Teresa Perales Fernández, confirmed the selection on June 3. The official jury statement highlighted Messi’s “dazzling talent,” his exceptional athletic career, and his ongoing charitable work promoting education and healthcare access for disadvantaged children. The Spanish government recognized the award’s national and international prestige through Real Decreto 763/2026, issued on September 30, noting its contribution to projecting Spain’s cultural and social values abroad.

Prizes, Sculptures, and a Prestigious Palmarés

According to the official guidelines of the Fundación Princesa de Asturias, recipients receive a sculpture by Joan Miró, an accredited diploma, an insignia, and a cash prize of 50,000 euros (approximately $56,000 USD). Messi joins a distinguished list of sports laureates that includes tennis player Serena Williams in 2025, badminton player Carolina Marín, and former British athlete Sebastian Coe, who won the inaugural award in 1987. Other past winners include the Brazil national football team in 2002, tennis player Rafael Nadal in 2008, Formula One drivers Fernando Alonso and Michael Schumacher, and the Gasol brothers, Pau and Marc.

Reflecting on Barcelona, Family, and His Late Father

While in Oviedo, Messi participated in community events, including the conclusion of “El Juego del 10” initiative at the Palacio de los Deportes before an audience of 6,000 attendees, as reported by Página|12. Speaking with the Agencia EFE and cited by La Nueva Provincia, Messi reflected on his late father, Jorge, who passed away in August and had eagerly anticipated the recognition. He recalled his father’s enduring advice to keep trying regardless of the score, and discussed his deep ties to Barcelona, where his children were born and where he established his professional career.

Return to Inter Miami for Upcoming MLS Match

Following the Friday ceremony, Messi prepares to travel back to the United States to rejoin Inter Miami. Head coach Cristian González confirmed that the club fully supported the trip given the significance of the award, and expects the forward to be available for Saturday’s Major League Soccer fixture against the New York Red Bulls.