Argentine football legend Lionel Messi was formally honored in Spain on Friday, October 23, 2026, receiving the country’s premier sporting distinction, the Princess of Asturias Award for Sports.
The prestigious accolade celebrates both his record-setting athletic accomplishments and his extensive philanthropic dedication to improving healthcare and education access for vulnerable children around the globe.
​The official ceremony commenced at 6:30 PM inside Oviedo’s historic Teatro Campoamor, presided over by King Felipe VI, Queen Letizia, and Princess Leonor.
The evening brought together international leaders across science, literature, and public service. Earlier in the day, Princess Leonor hosted an official reception for the honorees at 12:30 PM in the Covadonga Hall at the Hotel de la Reconquista.
​Messi’s selection by the jury recognizes an unparalleled career that includes eight Ballon d’Or awards and 47 major team trophies. Beyond his pitch performance, the panel highlighted his long-standing work through the Leo Messi Foundation and his role as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.
Among his primary humanitarian initiatives, Messi helped raise €37 million to construct a state-of-the-art pediatric oncology center in Barcelona and funded the building of 20 classrooms in conflict-impacted areas of Syria, providing stable educational environments for more than 1,600 children.
​Accepting the award during the events in Oviedo, Messi reflected on the personal significance of the honor, stating that he was deeply moved to receive a recognition that extends well beyond football.
He noted his enduring bond with Spain after spending more than two decades in the country, adding that being recognized for helping children access basic human rights like health and education makes the moment extraordinarily special.
​A spokesperson for the Princess of Asturias Foundation praised the athlete’s enduring global impact, noting that Messi exemplifies how athletic distinction can be transformed into meaningful social change.
The jury stated that his ongoing commitment to expanding opportunities for young people facing socio-economic barriers reflects the core values of the foundation.
