Lionel Messi has made history after receiving the 2026 Princess of Asturias Award for Sports in Spain. The Argentine Football Association immediately celebrated the achievement, while Messi shared an emotional message about his late father.

Messi Receives Historic Award as Argentina FA Issues Official Statement

Lionel Messi has made history once again after receiving one of Spain’s most prestigious sporting awards, with the Argentine Football Association (AFA) immediately releasing an official statement to celebrate his achievement.

The 39-year-old Inter Miami superstar received the 2026 Princess of Asturias Award for Sports during a special ceremony in Oviedo, Spain, on Friday, October 23.

Messi was presented with the honour by Princess Leonor, the heir to the Spanish throne, at the Campoamor Theatre.

The Argentina legend became the first footballer in history to receive the award as an individual.

However, the ceremony also included an emotional moment as Messi remembered his late father, Jorge Messi.

Messi makes history with prestigious Spanish award

Messi was officially announced as the winner of the 2026 Princess of Asturias Award for Sports on June 3.

However, he received the honour in person during Friday’s ceremony in Spain.

The award recognises Messi’s extraordinary football career, his achievements and his charity work supporting children around the world.

The Princess of Asturias Foundation praised his talent, leadership, humility and commitment to teamwork.

It also highlighted his efforts to improve access to education and healthcare for disadvantaged children through the Leo Messi Foundation.

With this achievement, Messi became the first footballer to win the individual version of the award.

Former Barcelona midfielder Xavi Hernandez and legendary Spanish goalkeeper Iker Casillas previously received the honour together in 2012.

The Brazilian national team also won the award in 2002 after lifting the World Cup.

Messi’s achievement is therefore historic because he is the first footballer to receive the recognition alone.

Argentine Football Association immediately reacts

Shortly after the ceremony, the Argentine Football Association published an official statement celebrating Messi’s historic achievement.

AFA described the Inter Miami superstar as an iconic figure of the Argentina national team and confirmed his place in the award’s history.

The organisation highlighted both his incredible sporting career and his important charity work.

It praised the Leo Messi Foundation for helping disadvantaged children receive medical care.

AFA also shared Messi’s emotional words following the ceremony.

The official reaction showed how important the achievement was for Argentine football, even after Messi had already won so many trophies during his career.

The award represents another major international recognition for one of Argentina’s greatest sporting figures.

Messi shares emotional message about his late father

One of the most emotional moments came when Messi spoke about his father, Jorge Messi, who passed away in August 2026.

The Argentina legend revealed that his father had been particularly excited about the possibility of seeing him receive the prestigious award.

According to AFA, Messi explained that his father had repeatedly encouraged him to attend the ceremony in Spain.

Messi said he was extremely happy to receive the award and believed his father would also be enjoying the special moment.

His words gave the ceremony an even deeper personal meaning.

Jorge Messi played an important role throughout his son’s career, helping him during his early years and later working as his representative.

Although he could not attend the ceremony, Messi made sure to remember him while celebrating another historic achievement.

Princess Leonor praises Messi’s incredible career

During the ceremony, Princess Leonor also paid tribute to Messi and his contribution to football.

She praised his unique ability to make extraordinary performances look normal throughout his career.

The Spanish princess highlighted how Messi combined incredible individual talent with respect for teamwork.

Her words reflected the reasons why the award’s jury selected the Argentine superstar.

Messi has won eight Ballon d’Or awards and lifted the 2022 World Cup with Argentina.

He also enjoyed an extraordinary career at Barcelona before playing for Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Miami.

However, this latest award recognises more than his goals, assists and trophies.

It also celebrates his influence on society and his efforts to help children through charitable activities.

Messi sends special message after receiving the award

Following the ceremony, Messi shared a message on Instagram to thank the organisers and supporters.

According to Spanish newspaper AS, the Argentina legend described receiving the award as a great honour.

He congratulated the other winners and thanked the Princess of Asturias Foundation for choosing him.

Messi also expressed his happiness at returning to Spain, where he spent more than two decades of his life.

He said he had enjoyed his time in Oviedo and appreciated the warm welcome from local fans.

The visit was particularly meaningful because Spain played such an important role in his journey from a young footballer to a global superstar.

Another historic achievement for Lionel Messi

At 39 years old, Messi continues to receive recognition for his extraordinary career and influence beyond football.

His latest achievement adds another prestigious honour to a collection that already includes eight Ballon d’Or trophies, the World Cup and numerous club titles.

However, the Princess of Asturias Award is different from his previous individual honours because it celebrates both his sporting success and his contribution to society.

The Argentine Football Association has officially recognised the achievement, while Messi has shared his gratitude and remembered his father during the emotional occasion.

For the Argentina legend, the ceremony in Oviedo was more than another awards night.

It was a historic moment that recognised not only what Lionel Messi has achieved in football, but also the positive impact he has made beyond the pitch.