Lionel Messi receives top Spanish award in recognition of social work

What the report says

Lionel Messi received Spain’s Princess of Asturias Award for Sports on Friday in Oviedo, the capital of Asturias, in recognition of both his football career and his social work. Al Jazeera reported that the award committee cited his efforts to support disadvantaged children’s access to health and education, alongside his record as one of the game’s most decorated players. The ceremony drew fans wearing Argentina shirts, and Princess Leonor, for whom the awards are named, praised Messi’s career and influence.

Messi, 39, was named the 2026 winner in June. The article noted that the award is among the most prestigious in the Spanish-speaking world and includes prize money of 50,000 euros. It is given annually across fields including sport, science and the arts, with a stated focus on solidarity and international cooperation.

The report also placed the honor in the context of Messi’s long career. He spent 21 years at Barcelona, later played for Paris Saint-Germain, and now plays for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer. He has won eight Ballon d’Or awards, a World Cup and many club trophies, according to the article. Barcelona posted congratulations on social media, calling the recognition well deserved and pointing to his legacy on and off the pitch.