Messi becomes first footballer to win Princess of Asturias award solo

Inter Miami's Argentine star Lionel Messi has written his name into the history of the Princess of Asturias Award for Sports, Spain's most prestigious sporting honour, as the first footballer to win it outright. According to Mundo Deportivo's review of the roll of honour, football had previously been represented only by national teams and by players who shared the prize since it was first handed out in 1987. The ceremony was scheduled for 23 October 2026 at Oviedo's Campoamor Theatre, with Spain's King and Queen in attendance.

Which footballers won the award before Messi?

Four football winners preceded Messi: the Brazil and Spain national teams, plus Xavi Hernández and Iker Casillas. In Mundo Deportivo's list, Xavi and Casillas appear as joint recipients, which makes Messi the first player to take the prize without sharing it. British athlete Sebastian Coe was the very first winner in 1987, and Mundo Deportivo notes that football long had only a modest presence among the honourees.

Why did the jury choose Messi?

The jury rewarded Messi not only for his achievements on the pitch but also for his efforts to help children facing hardship get schooling and healthcare. UA.News, citing Interia Sport, reported that Messi told the EFE agency his father, Jorge Messi, would be delighted by the honour, adding that it recognises more than his football. Among this year's other laureates are astronaut Christina Koch, the writer Julian Barnes, historian Timothy Garton Ash and musician-poet Patti Smith.

What did Messi do in Oviedo?

Messi arrived in Asturias with his wife Antonela Roccuzzo on 22 October 2026. Details reported by El Periódico Mediterráneo show that around 50 supporters were waiting at Asturias Airport, but a security convoy of eight Guardia Civil vehicles meant most only caught a brief glimpse. An official reception followed at 13.00 at the Hotel de la Reconquista, where hundreds of fans, many of them children hoping for a signed shirt, gathered as the Corvera bagpipe band played.

The centrepiece came at 17.30 at the Palacio de los Deportes. More than 6,000 people attended, among them 1,500 pupils taking part in the El juego del 10 project, part of the Toma la palabra programme. Messi spoke about what sport teaches: savouring the journey, taking lessons from losses and understanding how to win. He recalled being promoted, aged 17, to Barcelona's senior squad with Ronaldinho, Xavi and Puyol as teammates, then chatted on stage with Santi Cazorla and Nacho Cases. Messi added that the warmth Spain still shows him makes him very happy.

Lionel Messi by the numbers

At 39, Messi is still among the most productive attackers in MLS. ScoreLab data shows 24 goals and 13 assists in 27 matches for Inter Miami in the 2026 MLS season, a goal every 98 minutes, making him the club's top scorer. In his most recent league outing, on 17 October 2026 away at Atlanta United, he scored twice and was named man of the match.

What's next for Messi?

Messi heads back to MLS after the ceremony. According to ScoreLab data, Inter Miami's next fixture is away at the New York Red Bulls on 24 October 2026, followed by games against FC Cincinnati, New England Revolution and Charlotte. His Inter Miami contract runs until 31 December 2028.