Lionel Messi’s legacy continues to add historical recognition. The Argentine star was awarded this Wednesday with the Princess of Asturias Sports Award 2026, a recognition that distinguishes both his incomparable football career and his social commitment through various charitable initiatives.
The jury highlighted that Messi is “the most successful footballer of all time”, in addition to highlighting his exemplary behavior, his humility and his ability to convert individual talent into collective success.
The decision focuses not only on the 47 titles won by the Argentina captain throughout his career, but also on the work he does through his foundation to facilitate access to education and health care for children in vulnerable situations.
Messi’s reaction after learning about the award
After the announcement was made official, Messi expressed his emotion through a statement released by the Princess of Asturias Foundation.
“This award has a very special value for me,” said the Argentine forward.
The world champion also recalled his deep connection with Spain: “Spain and Catalonia are part of my life: I grew up there as a footballer, I lived for many years and my children were born.”
The Inter Miami CF player added a message addressed to the new generations:
“I hope my story helps many boys and girls to continue dreaming, with work and love for sport, and knowing that the most important thing is to try to be a good person and respect the values that sport teaches us.”
Recognition of an unrepeatable career
A few days after turning 39, Messi continues to expand a career that hardly finds comparison in the history of football.
His career took off at FC Barcelona, where he became an absolute legend after winning multiple national and international titles. He later played for Paris Saint-Germain before joining Inter Miami in 2023.
Among his most notable achievements are:
47 official titles.
Eight Ballon d’Ors.
World champion with Argentina in 2022.
Two-time champion of America.
Argentina’s all-time top scorer.
One of the few footballers who aspire to play in six World Cups.
The Princess of Asturias Foundation especially highlighted the consistency shown by the man from Rosario for more than two decades at the highest level and his leadership on and off the playing fields.
Messi joins Nadal, Serena Williams and Casillas
The Princess of Asturias Sports Award is one of the most prestigious awards on the international stage.
In recent years, names such as Serena Williams, Rafael Nadal, Iker Casillas and Xavi Hernández have been recognized, as well as sports institutions of global relevance.
The prizes are worth 50,000 euros and will be presented in October in Oviedo by Princess Leonor de Borbón, accompanied by Kings Felipe VI and Letizia Ortiz.
An award that transcends football
The awarding of the Princess of Asturias Award to Messi represents recognition that goes beyond titles and records. Spain distinguishes a figure who has marked an era in world sport and whose influence continues to spread through social projects aimed at improving the lives of thousands of children around the planet.
With this award, Messi adds another chapter to a career that is already part of the history of universal sport.
