The Argentine football star says the recognition means more than his achievements on the pitch, recalling how his late father encouraged him to attend the ceremony.
Lionel Messi has received the 2026 Princess of Asturias Award for Sport, dedicating part of the emotional moment to his late father, Jorge Messi, who had encouraged him to attend the ceremony despite his demanding football schedule.
The Inter Miami captain received the prestigious honour on Friday, October 23, at the Campoamor Theatre in Oviedo, Spain, as part of the 46th edition of the annual Princess of Asturias Awards.
Speaking about the recognition ahead of the ceremony, Messi said his father had been particularly excited about the award and insisted that he make the trip to Spain.
“My father was extremely excited about this award,” the Argentine said, according to comments reported by football journalist Fabrizio Romano on Friday.
“We knew it would be difficult because of my match schedule, but he really insisted that we come, that I travel here to spend these days and receive the award,” he added.
Messi explained that the honour carried a significance beyond his accomplishments as a footballer, suggesting that its meaning extended to the personal relationships and experiences that had shaped his life and career.
“This award goes beyond what you do on the pitch or what I’ve achieved throughout my career,” he said.
He added that his father had been delighted by the recognition and expressed confidence that he was also sharing in the moment’s joy.
“Honestly, he was very happy about this recognition and that’s why I’m sure he’s enjoying it too,” Messi said.
Jorge Messi died on August 8, 2026. His son’s remarks therefore gave the award a personal dimension, linking the international recognition to a family member who had encouraged him to be present for the occasion.
Why Messi received the award
The Princess of Asturias Foundation announced Messi as the 2026 recipient of the Sports Award on June 3, recognising his exceptional career and sustained charitable work promoting access to education and healthcare for disadvantaged children.
The jury also highlighted his conduct on the field, consistency, humility and commitment to teamwork.
The foundation’s recognition reflects the wider influence of Messi’s career, including his efforts to support vulnerable children through charitable initiatives focused on education and healthcare.
The award is among Spain’s prominent international honours and recognises achievements across several fields, including sport, the arts, scientific research, literature and international cooperation.
Each recipient receives a sculpture by Spanish artist Joan Miró, a diploma, an insignia and a cash prize of €50,000.
Barcelona celebrates former captain
Messi’s former club, FC Barcelona, also celebrated the recognition, highlighting his enduring connection with the Catalan side, where he developed into one of football’s most accomplished players.
The Argentine joined Barcelona’s youth academy, La Masia, at the age of 13 and went on to spend more than two decades associated with the club.
During his senior career at Barcelona, he scored 672 goals and won 35 trophies, according to the club’s account of his achievements.
His career subsequently took him to Paris Saint-Germain before he joined Inter Miami in Major League Soccer.
Messi’s individual honours include eight Ballon d’Or awards and the 2022 FIFA World Cup with Argentina, achievements that have helped establish his standing among the most decorated footballers of his generation.
The Princess of Asturias Award adds another international distinction to that record, recognising both his sustained success in football and his work beyond the game.
