Argentine star Lionel Messi was announced this Wednesday, in Oviedo, as the grand winner of the 2026 Princess of Asturias Sports Award. The number 10 overcame competition from 27 nominees, who represented 12 countries, to secure the trophy. This victory establishes an unprecedented milestone for the Spanish institution, as never before has a footballer been singled out as a winner in the category. The decoration celebrates the striker’s global influence after more than 20 years of career in the sport’s elite.
The sports committee reached its verdict after 48 hours of debates, weighing both the athlete’s genius with the ball at his feet and his strong commitment to actions aimed at children. The Argentine takes over the position that belonged to former American tennis player Serena Williams in the 2025 edition. The recognition comes at a crucial moment for the 39-year-old player, who plans his physical routine to play in his sixth World Cup, a tournament that will be hosted precisely in the United States, where he plays today, in addition to Mexico and Canada.
Philanthropic work and attitude on the field define the jury’s choice
The judging panel was led by multi-time Paralympic swimming medalist Teresa Perales. When reading the official minutes of the award, it emphasized the Argentine’s impressive regularity and unique skill over the years. The panel, also made up of journalist Juan Ignacio Gallardo, took into account the star’s attitude in moments of greatest sporting tension. The team spirit and respectful treatment given to rivals were determining factors in convincing the experts.
The charitable actions led by number 10 gained considerable weight in the screening phase. Created in 2007, the Leo Messi Foundation funds initiatives focused on education and medical assistance for young people living in at-risk areas. This humanitarian commitment met the citizenship requirements demanded by the event organizers. In addition to his own institution, the attacker has worked as an ambassador for UNICEF for 16 years, lending his image to global mobilizations in defense of children’s rights.
The union between records on the pitch and concern for society structured the judges’ final justification. The group’s objective was to find a name that went beyond the cold statistics and trophies accumulated in the leagues. The idol’s behavior away from the media spotlight worked as the exact difference in overcoming the other finalists. The evaluators understood that the Argentine plays a fundamental role of inspiration for young people who are starting out in the sport.
Collection of 47 official titles isolates Argentine at the top of the sport
In 23 years of acting professionally, the star accumulated an impressive 47 official cups. This mark places him alone as the most successful football player of all time. The vast majority of these achievements took place wearing the colors of FC Barcelona, the team he defended for around 20 years. In Catalonia, the idol won ten Spanish championships, seven editions of the Copa del Rey and eight Spanish Super Cups, in addition to continental glories.
His trip to France served to further add to his personal gallery of medals. With Paris Saint-Germain, the South American lifted the French Championship trophy twice and secured a French Super Cup. The transition to the North American league has not diminished their appetite for victories. Defending Inter Miami, he has already won the Leagues Cup, the MLS Supporters Shield and the coveted MLS Cup on his resume.
The performance wearing his country’s shirt completes the cycle of successes that led to the awarding of the Spanish honor. The captain was the main player in the team that won the 2022 World Cup, held in Qatar. His career with the main and youth team includes the following triumphs:
- Two Copa América titles
- The Finals Cup, won over Italy
- The highest place on the podium at the 2008 Beijing Olympics
- Winning the U20 World Cup in 2005
Personal distinctions go hand in hand with collective trophies. The striker boasts eight Ballon d’Ors and six Golden Boots in European football. His private shelf also has the Laureus award, FIFA The Best trophies and countless elections as best player on the pitch. Media recognition is also vast, including the MARCA Leyenda awarded in 2009 and the MARCA América Award received in 2024.
Lonely victory ends the tradition of rewarding only groups in football
Historically, the Princess of Asturias Sports Award has always looked at football through a collective lens. Brazil’s five-time world champion squad in 2002 has already been honored by the institution. The Spanish team, which won the 2010 World Cup, is also part of the select group of winners. In 2012, the organization paid tribute to Iker Casillas and Xavi Hernández, praising the companionship between the Real Madrid and Barcelona idols.
The 2026 edition breaks this pattern by awarding the statuette to a single footballer for his particular achievements. The verdict underlines the Argentine’s ability to remain at the top of the sport for more than two decades. Since making his professional debut, the star has never lost his status as a protagonist wherever he has been. His ability to shine in different championships and under different tactical schemes was highly valued by experts.
The confirmation of the award caused great repercussions in the sporting world. FC Barcelona published an official note to congratulate its greatest idol, making a point of mentioning the 35 cups he helped bring to the institution. Several entities linked to the sport and former locker room companions used social media to applaud the historic achievement. Fans from all continents also celebrated the committee’s choice on digital platforms.
Gala event in Spain will require adjustments to the athlete’s schedule
The delivery ceremony is scheduled for October, at the classic Teatro Campoamor, in the city of Oviedo. The ceremony brings together winners from all eight areas recognized by the foundation. The trophy destined for number 10 was the sixth official announcement of this season. Among the names already confirmed for the 2026 party are music legend Patti Smith and the creators of the renowned Studio Ghibli.
Each honoree receives an amount of 50 thousand euros as part of the award. The Argentine will also take home an exclusive sculpture created by master Joan Miró, as well as a diploma and an official badge from the entity. The rules of the event are strict and require the winners to appear in person to receive the prizes from the foundation’s members.
To comply with the protocol, the attacker will have to find a gap in his schedule in the United States to fly to Europe. The last quarter of the year coincides exactly with the decisive playoffs in the North American league, where Inter Miami plays. The Spanish organizers are already in dialogue with the athlete’s staff to align the logistics. The goal is to ensure that the idol takes the stage in the European autumn to be crowned.
