Lionel Messi received the 2026 Princess of Asturias Award for Sports in Spain on Friday, October 23, in a landmark moment that became deeply personal as the Argentine football legend remembered his late father, Jorge Messi.
The Inter Miami captain accepted the prestigious honour at a ceremony held at the Teatro Campoamor in Oviedo, Spain, recognising his extraordinary football career and his contributions beyond the pitch. His achievement was particularly emotional because his father, who died on August 8, had been excited about the recognition and strongly encouraged him to travel to Spain to collect it.
Messi had spoken about his father’s enthusiasm during an interview ahead of the ceremony, explaining that the significance of the award went far beyond football achievements.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner revealed that although his busy playing schedule initially made the trip difficult, his father insisted that the family should make the journey to Asturias and receive the honour in person.
“My father was extremely excited about this award, so I feel proud and happy to receive it,” Messi said, reflecting on the conversations they shared before his father’s death.
He explained that Jorge understood the importance of the recognition and wanted him to experience the occasion despite the demands of his professional commitments.
The football icon added that the award represented more than what he had accomplished on the pitch throughout his career. Remembering his father’s happiness about the distinction, Messi expressed confidence that he would have continued celebrating the moment with him.
The emotional tribute offered a glimpse into the personal significance behind one of the latest honours in a career filled with historic achievements.
Messi arrived in Oviedo on Thursday accompanied by his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, where he received a warm welcome from supporters eager to see the Argentine superstar. His visit attracted considerable public attention, with fans gathering around his hotel for photographs and autographs.
The ceremony on Friday formally recognised a career that has influenced football across generations. Messi was selected for the award in June after the jury considered his exceptional sporting achievements, consistency, commitment to teamwork and continued charitable work supporting disadvantaged children.
According to the Princess of Asturias Foundation, his contribution extends beyond his extraordinary performances on the field to his efforts to improve access to education and healthcare for vulnerable children.
The award is among Spain’s most prestigious international honours. Its sports category recognises individuals whose careers promote the values of sporting excellence, commitment and social responsibility.
Messi’s selection reflects a journey that began in Rosario, Argentina, before he moved to Barcelona as a teenager to join the club’s renowned La Masia academy.
He spent more than 15 years with Barcelona’s first team, establishing himself as one of the greatest players in the club’s history. During that period, he won numerous domestic and international trophies, including four UEFA Champions League titles and 10 La Liga championships.
His achievements with Argentina further strengthened his legacy, particularly his role in the country’s triumph at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. After years of pursuing football’s biggest international prize, Messi finally lifted the trophy following a dramatic final against France.
He later continued his club career at Paris Saint-Germain before joining Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, expanding his influence into the North American game.
Beyond football, his charitable activities through the Leo Messi Foundation have focused on improving opportunities for children, particularly in education and healthcare.
For Messi, however, Friday’s ceremony carried a meaning that statistics, trophies and individual accolades could not fully capture. Receiving the award meant celebrating his career while remembering the person who had encouraged him throughout his journey.
His tribute to Jorge highlighted the family support behind his success and the emotional connections that remain important even after reaching the highest levels of professional sport.
The honour adds another significant distinction to Messi’s remarkable career, but his words in Oviedo revealed that its greatest value may lie in the memories and relationships attached to it.
As supporters celebrated another milestone for the Argentine icon, his message about his father offered a reminder that behind football’s most celebrated achievements are often personal sacrifices, family encouragement and moments that transcend the game itself.
