Messi was presented with the 2026 Princess of Asturias Award

Lionel Messi was officially presented with the 2026 Princess of Asturias Award for Sports in Oviedo, Spain. The prestige of this honor—often referred to as the "Spanish Nobel Prize"—makes Messi the first footballer in history to receive the award individually.

The trophy was presented by Princess Leonor at the historic Campo Amor Theatre in Oviedo, with King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia in attendance. During her address, Princess Leonor praised Messi as someone who "turned the extraordinary into routine" while always prioritizing the collective team over individual ego. The distinction includes a sculpture created by Joan Miró, an insignia, a diploma, and a €50,000 cash grant.