Princess of Asturias Award 2026: Lionel Messi Wins the Sports Honor

Argentine football star Lionel Messi has been selected for the Princess of Asturias Award for Sports 2026. He received the honour in Oviedo, Spain, at the Teatro Campoamor on 23rd October, 2026

What is the Princess of Asturias Award 2026?

The Princess of Asturias Foundation of Spain gives these awards every year in eight categories, and sports is one of them. The sports award does not look only at wins and records. It honours people whose careers helped sport grow and who set an example through their values and social impact.

Key Details of the Award

• Venue: Teatro Campoamor, Oviedo
• Prize: A sculpture designed by Joan Miró, a diploma, an insignia and €50,000
• Categories: Eight awards are given every year

Why Lionel Messi Receives the Princess of Asturias Award 2026?

The jury announced Messi as the winner on June 3. He was chosen from 27 candidates belonging to 12 nationalities.

Reasons Given by the Jury

• His talent and consistency over a long career
• His humility, team-first attitude and good conduct on the field
• His charity work with UNICEF and the Leo Messi Foundation

Messi Career Highlights

Messi was central to one of the most successful periods in Barcelona’s history and won almost every major club title. He then led Argentina to the 2022 World Cup. He has also won eight Ballon d’Or awards and currently plays for Inter Miami.

List of Past Winners of the Princess of Asturias Award in Sports

1. 2026 - Lionel Messi
2. 2025 - Serena Williams
3. 2024 - Carolina Marín
4. 2023 - Eliud Kipchoge
5. 2022 - Olympic Refuge Foundation and IOC Refugee Olympic Team