Lionel Messi claims one of Spain’s most prestigious honours

Barcelona are currently on cloud nine as Lionel Messi continues his dominance off the pitch by claiming one of Spain’s most prestigious honours.

Messi has been named the winner of the 2026 Princess of Asturias Award for Sports. The Inter Miami playmaker succeeds tennis legend Serena Williams in receiving one of Spain’s highest distinctions.

The jury for the Princess of Asturias Award dimmed Messi fit to receive the award.

In their official decision, the jury highlighted “his dazzling talent, exceptional sporting career, and his remarkable and ongoing charitable work promoting access to education and health care for underprivileged children.”

Lionel Messi waves to the fans during an Inter Miami match. (Photo by CHANDAN KHANNA / AFP via Getty Images)

The panel, which included AS editorial director José Félix Díaz and was chaired by Paralympic legend Teresa Perales, noted that Messi has earned the respect of the world through his “consistency, humility and commitment to the collective spirit of the game.”

Barcelona were among the first to acknowledge the achievement of their former talisman.

The Spanish giant official statement reads: “Congratulations, Lionel Messi, on receiving the 2026 Princess of Asturias Award for Sports. A well-deserved recognition of an extraordinary career, defined by your legendary legacy at Barca and a journey filled with success with our Club.”

By claiming this honour, Messi joins an incredibly distinguished list of previous recipients that spans the entire world of sport.

Previous winners include the likes of Rafael Nadal, Michael Schumacher, Carl Lewis and the 2010 Spain World Cup-winning squad. He is the first footballer to be honoured individually since Iker Casillas and Xavi Hernandez shared the award in 2012.