Lionel Messi Receives 2026 Princess of Asturias Award as He Remembers His Late Father

Lionel Messi has received the 2026 Princess of Asturias Award for Sports, with the Argentina and Inter Miami superstar using the occasion to reflect on his extraordinary career, his values and the influence of his late father, Jorge Messi.

Messi collected the prestigious honour at a ceremony in Oviedo, Spain, on Friday, adding another major distinction to a career already filled with historic achievements.

But for the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, the award carried a particularly personal meaning.

Messi Reveals How Much His Father Wanted Him to Receive the Award

Speaking ahead of the ceremony, Messi revealed that his father was extremely excited about the recognition.

Jorge Messi died on August 8, but his son said he had strongly encouraged him to travel to Oviedo despite the difficulties created by his Inter Miami commitments.

Messi explained that they knew travelling to Spain would be complicated because of his match schedule, but his father insisted that the trip was important.

The emotional significance of the moment was clear as Messi reflected on what the award meant beyond football.

He explained that the honour represented something bigger than what he had achieved on the pitch throughout his career.

Messi added that because his father had been so happy about the recognition, he was certain Jorge would be enjoying the moment too.

More Than Football

The Princess of Asturias Foundation's jury recognised Messi not only for his extraordinary football career but also for his continued charitable work supporting access to education and healthcare for disadvantaged children.

The foundation described Messi as a player whose talent and exceptional sporting career have been accompanied by consistency, humility and a strong commitment to teamwork.

That broader recognition appeared particularly meaningful to Messi.

The Argentine has repeatedly spoken about the importance of the values instilled in him by his parents, including commitment, respect and solidarity.

He also explained that those principles are values he now tries to pass on to his own children with his wife, Antonela.

A Historic Addition to Messi's Legacy

Messi's latest honour adds another unique achievement to one of football's most decorated careers.

The Princess of Asturias Foundation selected him for the 2026 Sports Award after highlighting his extraordinary career and charitable contribution.

The foundation's official citation notes his remarkable collection of trophies, including the World Cup with Argentina, Copa América titles and his long list of club honours with Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Miami.

He is also the first individual footballer to receive the Princess of Asturias Award for Sports.

Previous recipients have included sporting legends and teams such as Serena Williams, Eliud Kipchoge, Carlos Sainz, Lindsey Vonn and New Zealand's All Blacks.

Messi's Father Remains Part of His Story

For Messi, however, the significance of the award goes beyond another entry on his long list of honours.

His comments in Oviedo showed how strongly his father's influence remains connected to his life and career.

Jorge Messi played a major role in supporting his son's football journey from his childhood in Rosario through his move to Barcelona and the development of one of the greatest careers in football history.

Now, as Messi receives one of Spain's most prestigious honours, he believes his father would have been particularly proud of the moment.

That makes the 2026 Princess of Asturias Award much more than another individual accolade for Messi.

It is a recognition of his football legacy, his contribution away from the pitch and the values that helped shape him.

Fan Debate

⚽ Goal: What is Lionel Messi's greatest career achievement?

🔥 Fire: Messi receiving the Princess of Asturias Award shows his influence goes far beyond football.

😲 Shock: Messi becomes the first individual footballer to receive the prestigious honour.

👍 Like: His tribute to his late father makes this award even more meaningful.

💬 Comment: Does this award belong among Messi's greatest individual honours?