Messi receives 2026 Princess of Asturias sports award

Lionel Messi received the 2026 Princess of Asturias Award for Sports at a ceremony in Oviedo on October 23, recognizing his football career and charitable work supporting disadvantaged children’s access to education and health care. Princess Leonor presented the Argentine forward with the award at the Teatro Campoamor. King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia presided over the ceremony, where Messi’s wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, was also present. The award’s jury selected Messi from 27 candidates representing 12 nationalities. The jury cited Messi’s sporting career and ongoing charitable work. The recognition highlighted efforts to improve access to education and health care for disadvantaged children, alongside his achievements on the field. Messi reflected on how he hopes his career will be remembered in an interview ahead of the ceremony. He said he wanted to be seen as an athlete who kept pursuing his goals, whether or not he achieved them. His comments placed persistence, rather than trophies alone, at the center of his legacy. He also said his father urged him to travel to the ceremony despite the demands of his match schedule. Messi described the award as recognition that extended...