Lionel Messi became the first footballer to receive the 2026 Princess of Asturias Award for Sports, the Spanish foundation announced Wednesday. The honor arrives as Messi trains with Argentina in Kansas City ahead of the World Cup, and he thanked fans in a video that highlighted the award’s prestige beyond on‑field exploits. The jury cited his charitable work for disadvantaged children and his influence spreads.

Messi’s résumé justifies the accolade: he lifted the 2022 World Cup, secured back‑to‑back Copa América titles in 2021 and 2024, and earned Olympic gold in Beijing. At club level he amassed ten La Liga crowns, four Champions League trophies with Barcelona and added the 2025 MLS Cup, 2024 Supporters’ Shield and 2023 Leagues Cup with Inter Miami. His leadership helped shape Miami’s rapid rise in MLS.

Individually, Messi holds eight Ballon d’Ors, nine La Liga MVPs and two MLS MVP awards, placing him among past Princess of Asturias recipients such as Nadal and Williams. The award reinforces his status as a global sporting ambassador just days before Argentina opens World Cup play against Algeria on June 16. Fans anticipate his presence will boost Argentina’s morale throughout the tournament.