Ex-Argentina captain Lionel Messi receiving the 2026 Princesa de Asturias Award for Sport. Photo: X/Inter Miami
Barcelona and Inter Miami have congratulated Lionel Messi after the Argentine football star received the 2026 Princess of Asturias Award for Sports.
Messi received the award at a ceremony at the Campoamor Theatre in Oviedo, Spain, on Friday, October 23.
He became the first footballer to win the honour individually.
In a post via its X handle on Friday, Barcelona praised their former captain for his exceptional talent and lasting impact on and off the pitch.
The Spanish club described the award as recognition of Messi’s talent, commitment to sport and charitable work, noting that his successful career had left a lasting mark on the club’s history.
“Congratulations Leo Messi for the 2026 Princess of Asturias Award for Sports.
”Richly deserved recognition for your outstanding talent, which has left a lasting impact both on and off the pitch, making you a benchmark in world football due to your excellence, commitment to sport and solidarity.
“A highly successful career during which FC Barcelona was a key part of your life and story. An inseparable bond that forms part of the Club’s legacy and for which your involvement will always be a source of pride,” the club said.
Major League Soccer club Inter Miami, where Messi currently plays, also celebrated their captain and his achievement in a message shared on X.
“Congratulations, captain, on receiving the 2026 Princess of Asturias Award for Sports. Your talent makes history. Your values leave a mark that goes far beyond soccer,” the club said.
The award jury recognised Messi’s outstanding career, sporting achievements, humility and charitable efforts to promote access to education and healthcare for children.
Messi spent more than two decades at Barcelona, becoming one of the club’s most decorated players before leaving in 2021. He later joined Paris Saint-Germain before moving to Inter Miami in 2023.
The latest honour adds to the 38-year-old’s long list of individual and team achievements, including eight Ballon d’Or awards and the 2022 FIFA World Cup with Argentina.