Argentine football legend [Lionel Messi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lionel_Messi) was presented with Spain’s highest‑profile sports honour, the [Princess of Asturias Award for Sports](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Princess_of_Asturias_Awards#Sports), on 25 October 2026 in Oviedo, Asturias, where Princess Leonor, the heir to the Spanish throne, handed him the award in recognition of his on‑field achievements and charitable work for children.
The award jury, which announced the decision in June, called Messi the most successful footballer ever and praised his initiatives that improve health and education for disadvantaged youngsters.
Dozens of supporters dressed in Argentina jerseys filled the Oviedo venue, chanting his name as bagpipes and drums accompanied his entrance.
Messi received a parchment scroll from [Princess Leonor](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leonor,_Princess_of_Asturias), who lauded his “unique career” and said, “He turned the extraordinary into routine by reading the game and deciding on the most effective option in fractions of a second, while respecting the collective essence above ego.”
His résumé includes eight Ballon d’Or trophies, a World Cup triumph and dozens of club titles, most earned during a 21‑year spell at FC Barcelona, where he helped the side dominate Spanish and European football under managers Pep Guardiola and Luis Enrique.
After leaving Barcelona in 2021, Messi spent two seasons with Paris Saint‑Germain before joining [Inter Miami CF](https://www.intermiamicf.com/) in Major League Soccer, where he continues to play.
The Argentine forward, who remains the nation’s all‑time leader in goals, assists and caps, announced his retirement from international duty earlier this year following Argentina’s 1‑0 loss to Spain in the World Cup final held in New Jersey.
Speaking to a group of children in Oviedo the day before the ceremony, Messi said, “The most important thing is to know how to lose and how to win,” adding that this mindset is fundamental to football.
Founded in 1981, the Princess of Asturias Awards are the most prestigious recognitions in the Spanish‑speaking world, carrying a €50,000 prize and covering categories such as arts, sciences and sports, with the aim of promoting solidarity and global cooperation.
Other laureates on the evening included British novelist Julian Barnes, U.S. astronaut Christina Koch and punk icon Patti Smith, while past sports recipients have featured Serena Williams, Rafael Nadal, marathon record‑holder Eliud Kipchoge and skier Lindsey Vonn.