Published : 24 October 2026
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Updated : 24 October 2026, 01:27
Agencies
PHOTO: AFP
Lionel Messi received Spain's most prestigious sports award on Friday in recognition of his glittering career and his work for disadvantaged children's access to health and education.
The Argentine forward, 39, was named winner of the Princess of Asturias Award for Sports in June, with the jury hailing "the most successful footballer of all time" and his social work.
Dozens of fans wearing Argentina football shirts cheered and chanted Messi's name as he arrived to the sound of bagpipes and drums at the ceremony in Oviedo, capital of the northern Spanish region of Asturias.
Messi collected a formal roll of parchment from Princess Leonor, the heir to the Spanish throne after whom the awards are named, who lauded his "unique career".
"He turned the extraordinary into routine by reading the game and deciding on the most effective option in fractions of a second, while respecting the collective essence above ego," Leonor said.
One of the greatest footballers of all time, Messi has won eight Ballon d'Or titles, a World Cup and dozens of trophies at club level.
He spent 21 years at Barcelona where he played in a side that dominated Spain and Europe under Pep Guardiola and Luis Enrique.
After leaving the Catalan club in 2021, Messi spent two years at French giants Paris Saint-Germain and currently plays for Inter Miami in MLS.
Argentina's all-time top goalscorer, assist provider and caps holder called time on his international career this year after losing the World Cup final to Spain in New Jersey.
"The most important thing is to know how to lose and how to win," Messi told an event with children in Oviedo on Thursday, saying that attitude was "fundamental" in football.
Founded in 1981, the Princess of Asturias Awards are the most prestigious in the Spanish-speaking world and come with prize money of 50,000 euros ($56,000).
They encompass the arts, sciences and sports and are handed out annually in honour of efforts to improve human coexistence, solidarity and global cooperation.
British author Julian Barnes, trailblazing US astronaut Christina Koch and punk star Patti Smith were among the other winners who received their prize on Friday.
Previous winners of the sports award include tennis greats Serena Williams and Rafael Nadal, marathon record-breaker Eliud Kipchoge and US skier Lindsey Vonn.
Meanwhile, FC Barcelona have congratulated Messi after the Argentine football legend received the award.
The Spanish club congratulated their former captain in a post on X, praising his exceptional talent, commitment to football and contribution to the sport beyond his playing career.
“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.”
Messi enjoyed the most successful period of his club career at Barcelona, where he developed into one of football’s greatest players after joining the club’s youth academy as a teenager.
During his time at the Camp Nou, the forward won numerous domestic and European honours, including four UEFA Champions League titles and 10 La Liga championships.
He also claimed multiple Ballon d’Or awards while representing Barcelona, establishing himself as the club’s all-time leading goalscorer before leaving in 2021 to join Paris Saint-Germain.
Beyond his achievements at club level, Messi captained Argentina to victory at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, adding football’s biggest international prize to his collection of honours.
Barcelona’s tribute highlighted the enduring relationship between the club and the Argentine, whose achievements remain central to its history and legacy.