Lionel Messi has added another remarkable achievement to his legendary career after being named the recipient of the Princess of Asturias Award for Sports, one of the most prestigious international honors in the sporting world.
The Argentina captain was recognized for his outstanding contributions both on and off the pitch, becoming the first individual footballer to receive the award. The accolade celebrates athletes whose careers have had a significant impact on society through excellence, leadership, and humanitarian efforts.
Messi expressed his gratitude after learning of the recognition, describing it as a special moment in his career.
“The truth is that for me it is a great pride to be able to receive this recognition because of the importance it has and for the fact that it is recognised not only for what I do on the pitch but also off the pitch,” Messi said.
The 2022 World Cup winner added that he was “very happy and very grateful” for the honor and thanked everyone involved in the selection process.
In its official statement, the award jury praised Messi’s extraordinary achievements, highlighting his record-breaking success in football, his humility, consistency, and commitment to teamwork throughout his career.
The Princess of Asturias Awards annually recognize individuals and organizations that have made exceptional contributions across several fields, including sports, arts, science, literature, and international cooperation.
Messi joins an illustrious list of sports icons who have received the award, including Rafael Nadal, Michael Schumacher, Serena Williams, and Eliud Kipchoge.
The latest recognition further strengthens Messi’s legacy as one of the greatest athletes in sporting history, with his influence extending far beyond football.
