Lionel Messi receives the Princess of Asturias Award in Oviedo

Lionel Messi arrived in Oviedo, Spain, on October 22, 2026, to accept the prestigious Princess of Asturias Award for Sports. The 39-year-old Inter Miami forward was welcomed by crowds of fans at the Hotel Reconquista before participating in academic events and a royal dinner with the King and Queen of Spain. The official award ceremony took place on Friday, October 23, at the Campoamor Theater, where the Argentine superstar was honored for his profound impact on football.

In interviews with the EFE news agency during his visit, Messi reflected on his career, specifically highlighting the 2022 World Cup in Qatar as the defining moment of his life. He described his goals in the final against France as the most significant of his career due to the high stakes and the nature of the match. Messi emphasized that his approach has always been defined by relentless pursuit of goals and dreams, regardless of obstacles, and he expressed a desire to be remembered simply as a great athlete who never stopped trying.