Messi receives the Princess of Asturias Award for Sports
Leo Messi, 39, received this Friday the Princess of Asturias Award for Sports at the Campoamor Theatre in Oviedo, in a ceremony presided over by the King and Queen of Spain, Felipe VI and Queen Letizia, together with Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofía.
At 39, the Argentine became the first footballer to receive the award solo, a recognition of a career that has shaped football history. The ceremony also featured the presence of the former queen Sofía, reinforcing the institutional dimension of the event. The photographic coverage was provided by EFE.
In her speech, Princess Leonor praised Messi’s “unrepeatable career” and recalled a definition from a former Sporting player that highlighted his ability to turn the extraordinary into routine. The quote emphasized the speed of his decisions in tenths of a second and his respect for the collective essence.
A ceremony presided over by the royal family
The King and Queen of Spain, Felipe VI and Queen Letizia, led the event, accompanied by Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofía. The pre‑event audience took place in the Covadonga room of the Hotel de la Reconquista, where the princess acted as the sole host, without the monarchs present.
The jury, composed of Santi Nolla, CEO and director, highlighted the Argentine’s consistency and global impact. In the official citation he was described as “the player who has won the most titles in football history”. The mention also underscored his charitable work and humility.
How Messi's meeting with Princess Leonor unfolded in Oviedo
Recognition of the career and charitable work
The jury’s text highlighted: “For being the player who has won the most titles in football history; for his exceptional sporting career and dazzling talent; for his ongoing charitable work in favor of access to education and health care for the most disadvantaged children; and for having earned the respect and admiration of everyone thanks to his consistency, humility and commitment to the collective game”. The phrase “For his sporting career, for his solidarity and for having earned the world’s respect with humility” headed the presentation.
Off the pitch, Messi has been a UNICEF ambassador since 2010 and heads the Leo Messi Foundation, which promotes education and health for vulnerable children. The jury highlighted his story of overcoming adversity, marked by growth problems in childhood, and his constant commitment to the collective game.
The award was presented alongside other personalities from culture, science and international society, including Patti Smith, Julian Barnes, Christina Koch and Timothy Garton Ash. Studio Ghibli and the Global Seed Vault of Svalbard were also recognized, extending the scope of the ceremony beyond sport.
For the presentation of a new award in October, the organization has announced a list of spokespeople that includes Teresa Perales, José Félix Díaz, Paloma del Río and Santi Nolla, among others. The insignia was presented by Princess Leonor and Ferran Martínez, according to the official account.