Lionel Messi has a trophy cabinet that needs its own postcode, yet Friday night in Oviedo still felt different. Messi received Spain’s most prestigious sports award in recognition of his glittering career and his work for disadvantaged children’s access to health and education. The Messi Princess of Asturias Award story is about far more than goals.
What Is the Princess of Asturias Award for Sport?
Think of it as the Nobel Prize energy of Spanish-speaking culture. Founded in 1981, the awards are the most prestigious in the Spanish-speaking world and carry prize money of 50,000 euros. Messi collected his from Princess Leonor at the Teatro Campoamor in Oviedo and was greeted with a standing ovation. Past recipients include Serena Williams, Rafael Nadal and Eliud Kipchoge.
Why Did Messi Win?
The jury did not hold back. It called him “the most successful footballer of all time” and praised his social work. Away from football, Messi has been a UNICEF ambassador since 2010 and runs the Leo Messi Foundation, which promotes access to education and healthcare for children in need. The honour recognises the man as much as the player.
The Emotional Heart of the Night
Here is the moment that will stay with fans. Messi said his father Jorge, who passed away on August 8, was “very happy” about the award and is “surely enjoying it, too.” Messi gave no speech at the ceremony but spoke to the news agency EFE. When the award was announced in June, he said he hoped his story inspires boys and girls to keep dreaming, while remembering that being a good person matters most.
A Hero’s Welcome in Oviedo
The city went wild. Hundreds of fans lined the streets when Messi arrived on Thursday. Tickets for his meeting with schoolchildren at Oviedo’s Palacio de los Deportes sold out in just 13 minutes. Speaking to children, he said the most important thing in football is knowing how to lose and how to win.
Barcelona and Inter Miami React
The tributes poured in. Barcelona congratulated their former star on a well-deserved recognition of talent that left a lasting mark on and off the pitch. Inter Miami told their captain, “Your talent makes history.” Messi called Barcelona the club of his life, where he spent 20 years.
Timing: A Legacy Moment
The award lands just after he stepped away from Argentina. Messi officially retired from international duty after 126 goals in 208 caps, two Copa America titles and the 2022 World Cup. At 39, the Inter Miami forward is still playing, and a new chapter awaits. The Ballon d’Or ceremony in London on Monday is next on the calendar
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