Lionel Messi Wins 2026 Princess Of Asturias Award For Sports

Lionel Messi has been named the recipient of the 2026 Princess of Asturias Award for Sports, adding another prestigious honour to a career widely regarded as one of the greatest in football history.

The decision was announced earlier today, June 3, by the jury responsible for selecting this year’s winner.

In a statement, the Princess of Asturias Foundation said Messi was chosen in recognition of a career marked by sustained excellence, remarkable sporting achievements and a global influence that extends far beyond football.

Born on June 24, 1987, in Rosario, Argentina, Messi began his football journey in the youth ranks of Newell’s Old Boys before moving to FC Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy at the age of 13.

He made his senior debut for Barcelona in 2004 and went on to become the club’s most celebrated player. During more than 15 years with the Spanish giants, he won 35 trophies, including four UEFA Champions League titles, 10 La Liga crowns and seven Copa del Rey trophies.

His trophy haul at Barcelona also included three FIFA Club World Cups, three UEFA Super Cups and eight Spanish Super Cups.

Following his departure from Barcelona, Messi played for Paris Saint-Germain before joining Inter Miami in Major League Soccer (MLS), where he currently plies his trade.

On the international stage, the Argentine captain enjoyed long-awaited success with his country, winning two Copa América titles and leading Argentina to win at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar in 2022.

Messi’s record speaks for itself. He has won 47 career titles, claimed the Ballon d’Or a record eight times, lifted The Best FIFA Men’s Player award on three occasions and secured six European Golden Boots.

The forward also holds the Guinness World Record for the most goals scored in a calendar year after netting 91 times in 2012. He was named Laureus World Sportsman of the Year in 2020 and 2023.

The Foundation highlighted Messi’s journey from overcoming a childhood growth condition to becoming one of sport’s most admired figures. It also praised his reputation for humility, consistency and commitment to teamwork.

His work away from the pitch was equally recognised, including his charitable efforts through the Leo Messi Foundation and his role as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.

The Princess of Asturias Foundation stated that the award recognises “careers which, via the promotion, fostering and advancement of sport and social commitment, have become an example of the benefits that practising sports can bring to people.”

A total of 27 nominations representing 12 nationalities were considered for this year’s sports award.

The Sports Award is the sixth of eight categories to be announced in the 46th edition of the Princess of Asturias Awards.

Previous winners announced this year include Patti Smith in Arts, Studio Ghibli in Communication and Humanities, David Klenerman, Shankar Balasubramanian and Pascal Mayer in Technical and Scientific Research, the Svalbard Global Seed Vault in International Cooperation, and Timothy Garton Ash in Social Sciences.

The Literature and Concord awards are yet to be announced.

The awards ceremony will be held in October in Oviedo, Spain, in the presence of the King and Queen of Spain, the Princess of Asturias and Infanta Sofía.

Each winner receives a Joan Miró sculpture, a diploma, an insignia and a cash prize of €50,000.