Even exiled in the United States, where he has worn the colors of Inter Miami since 2023, Lionel Messi continues to be crowned with some of the most prestigious distinctions in the world. At 38 years old, the most successful footballer on the planet has just received the Princess of Asturias Sports Prize 2026.
This distinction, awarded by the Princess of Asturias Foundation during an academic ceremony held each year in Oviedo in Spain, aims to “to promote the scientific, cultural and humanist values which are part of the universal heritage of humanity and to consolidate the existing links between the Principality of Asturias and the title traditionally held by the heirs of the Crown of Spain. »
The Argentinian was rewarded for all of his work, both on and off the field, by a jury made up of twelve different nationalities and chaired by Spanish swimmer Teresa Perales, seven times gold medalist at the Paralympic Games.
Lionel Messi, an “extraordinary sporting journey”
“In addition to his exceptional talent, the jury highlighted his extraordinary sporting career as well as his remarkable and constant charitable commitment in favor of access to education and health care for the most disadvantaged children”it is explained in the minutes of the Princess of Asturias prize.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or having also “attracted the respect and admiration of all through his exemplary behavior on the field, as well as through his consistency, humility and dedication to the team game. »
