Overview
- The Princess of Asturias Foundation named Lionel Messi the 2026 Princess of Asturias Award for Sports, selecting him from 27 nominees on Wednesday, June 3, 2026.
- The award jury, chaired by Paralympic champion Teresa Perales and including AS editor José Félix Díaz, cited Messi’s dazzling talent, long career and sustained charitable work as reasons for the honour.
- FC Barcelona issued an official congratulatory statement praising Messi’s legacy at the club, and international outlets noted the award joins a long list of individual and team honours.
- Messi’s record haul of trophies underpins the choice, with coverage highlighting eight Ballon d’Or wins and reports that he is only the third individual footballer to receive this Princess of Asturias distinction.
- The recognition arrives as Messi prepares to compete for Argentina at the 2026 World Cup and could sharpen global attention on his dual role as a top player and a high-profile charity advocate.