Lionel Messi has been awarded the 2026 Princess of Asturias Award for Sports [1].
The honor marks a historic milestone for the sport of football. By receiving this prize, Messi becomes the first individual football player to ever be granted the award [1].
The recognition comes as a testament to the global legacy of the Inter Miami CF and Argentina star [2]. The award committee said his extraordinary contributions to sport and his influence on a global scale were the primary reasons for the selection [1], [2].
While some reports have used different terminology to describe the accolade, the official designation is the Princess of Asturias Award for Sports [1]. The announcement was made in June 2026 [1].
Messi has spent the latter stages of his career expanding the reach of the game in the U.S. through his tenure with Inter Miami CF. This latest recognition from Spain reflects a career that has spanned multiple continents and eras of the game [2].
“Lionel Messi is the first individual football player to receive the honor.”
The Princess of Asturias Awards are among Spain's most prestigious honors, typically recognizing broad cultural or scientific achievements. By naming Messi as the first individual footballer to win the sports category, the committee elevates the status of the sport from a mere athletic pursuit to a significant cultural contribution, cementing Messi's role as a global ambassador beyond the pitch.
