Argentine footballer Lionel Messi has been awarded the Princess of Asturias Sports Prize 2026. The jury cited his talent, sporting career and charitable work. Messi, training in Kansas with Argentina's national team, expressed gratitude for the honour.
The jury, presided over by swimmer Teresa Perales and comprising twelve experts, selected Messi from 27 nominations of 12 nationalities. The ruling highlights his dazzling talent, exceptional sporting trajectory and charitable work through the Leo Messi Foundation to promote education and health for disadvantaged children.
Messi is in Kansas City with the Argentina national team preparing for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada. From there he thanked the award: “I want to thank the jury and the Princess of Asturias Foundation from the heart for this recognition, which is an enormous pride for me”.
The prize will be presented in October at the Teatro Campoamor in Oviedo, together with the other distinctions of the Princess of Asturias Foundation. It includes a Joan Miró sculpture, a diploma, an insignia and 50,000 euros.
