Lionel Messi received the 2026 Princess of Asturias Award for Sports in Oviedo, Spain, on Friday, October 23, with the Argentine football legend dedicating part of his thoughts to his late father, Jorge Messi, who had encouraged him to attend the ceremony.
The Inter Miami captain received the prestigious award from Princess Leonor, heir to the Spanish throne, at the Teatro Campoamor in a ceremony attended by Spain's royal family and other distinguished guests.
Messi was recognised for his outstanding football career and continued charitable work supporting children's access to education and healthcare.
Messi Says His Father Was Excited About the Award
Speaking before the ceremony, Messi revealed how much the recognition had meant to his father, who died on August 8, 2026.
The eight time Ballon d'Or winner explained that his family knew travelling to Spain could be difficult because of his football schedule.
However, his father had strongly encouraged him to make the trip and personally receive the honour.
Messi also reflected on the award's wider meaning, explaining that it represented more than his achievements on the pitch.
He said he believed his father would still be happy to see him receive the recognition.
His comments added a personal dimension to an occasion celebrating a career that has shaped football for more than two decades.
A Major Recognition Beyond Football
The Princess of Asturias Award for Sports recognises outstanding sporting careers and the positive contribution sport can make to society.
In selecting Messi, the award jury highlighted his extraordinary career, technical ability, consistency and commitment to teamwork.
It also recognised his continued charitable work through initiatives supporting children's health and education.
Messi's career includes the FIFA World Cup triumph with Argentina in 2022, multiple Copa América titles and a long list of club honours earned during his time at Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Miami.
He also won eight Ballon d'Or awards, an individual record that reflects his sustained success at the highest level of the game.
The Princess of Asturias Award, however, recognises a broader contribution than individual statistics or trophies alone.
The distinction also makes Messi the first individual footballer to receive the Princess of Asturias Award for Sports, according to Inter Miami.
Previous recipients include tennis great Rafael Nadal and marathon runner Eliud Kipchoge.
Messi Receives a Standing Ovation in Spain
Messi's arrival in Oviedo drew attention from supporters who gathered to see the Argentine star return to Spain, where he spent the majority of his club career with Barcelona.
At the ceremony, Princess Leonor presented him with the award as members of the Spanish royal family and other guests looked on.
For Messi, the occasion represented a return to a country closely connected to his footballing journey, as well as recognition of his impact beyond the pitch.
His career in Spain helped establish him as one of the most celebrated players in the sport's history.
A Career Recognised for More Than Trophies
Messi's achievements are often measured through goals, assists, titles and individual awards.
The Princess of Asturias recognition places additional emphasis on his sporting legacy and charitable work.
His comments about his father also offered a reminder of the personal relationships behind major career milestones.
Although the award celebrated Messi's accomplishments, his own words showed that its importance extended to the family members who supported his journey.
For the Argentine star, receiving the honour in person was not simply another entry on an already remarkable list of achievements. It was a moment with personal meaning, shared with a country that had been central to his development as a footballer.