Argentine footballer Lionel Messi received Spain's prestigious Princess of Asturias Sports Prize on Wednesday, recognized for his career achievements and humanitarian work.
3:38 PM
Lionel Messi has been awarded the 2026 Princess of Asturias Sports Prize, one of Spain's most prestigious honors. The jury announced the decision Wednesday at noon at the Eurostars Hotel in Oviedo.
The jury, chaired by Spanish Paralympic swimmer Teresa Perales, selected Messi from 27 candidates representing 12 nationalities. The award recognizes his "brilliant talent," "exceptional sports trajectory," and "formidable and sustained charitable work to promote access to education and healthcare for disadvantaged children."
Messi, born June 24, 1987, in Rosario, Argentina, moved to Barcelona at age 13 to join the FC Barcelona youth academy, La Masía. He made his professional debut with Barcelona's first team in 2004. Over his career, he has played more than 1,000 professional matches, scored more than 800 goals, and provided nearly 400 assists across clubs and international play.
His trophy collection includes approximately 50 official titles with his clubs—including FC Barcelona and the Argentine national team—among them a World Cup, multiple Champions League titles, and numerous domestic championships. He has also won dozens of individual awards, including the Ballon d'Or and multiple best player of the season honors across various competitions.
The jury statement noted that Messi "has earned the respect and admiration of all for his exemplary behavior on the field and for his consistency, humility, and commitment to collective play." The award also highlighted his humanitarian efforts, which the jury said he pursues with personal involvement, sometimes without public recognition.
Teresa Perales, the jury president, expressed being "tremendously proud" of the award, describing Messi's trajectory as "impeccable." She emphasized his humility and personal commitment to helping "many people," often privately and without seeking recognition.
This is the second major Spanish honor for Messi. He previously received the Creu de Sant Jordi in 2019. He becomes the eighth Argentine to receive the Princess of Asturias Prize.
Messi, currently 38 years old, is preparing with the Argentine national team in Kansas City for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. He will turn 39 during the tournament. Argentina is defending the World Cup title won in Qatar in 2022.
In a statement released after the jury's decision, Messi thanked the jury and the Princess of Asturias Foundation, calling the award "an enormous honor." He expressed hope that his story would inspire young people "to keep dreaming." He also acknowledged Spain and Catalonia as integral to his life, noting that he grew up as a footballer there, lived for many years, and his children were born there. "I always felt much affection from the people, and that is why this prize has very special value for me," he said.
Messi's candidacy was proposed by David González Alonso, president of the Club Vetusta Universidad de Oviedo Triatlón. The jury's deliberations generated substantial debate among its 13 members, according to Perales.
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