Barcelona and Inter Miami Celebrate Messi's Award Win

Barcelona and Inter Miami have sent their congratulations to Lionel Messi after he won the 2026 Princess of Asturias Award for Sports.

Messi received the award during a ceremony at the Campoamor Theatre in Oviedo, Spain, on Friday, October 23.

He is the first footballer to win this award on his own.

Barcelona took to their X account on Friday to praise their former captain for his great talent and lasting influence on and off the field.

The club said the award highlights Messi’s skill, dedication to sports, and his charity work. They pointed out that his successful career has made a strong mark on the club’s history.

“Congratulations Leo Messi for the 2026 Princess of Asturias Award for Sports. Richly deserved recognition for your outstanding talent, which has left a lasting impact both on and off the pitch, making you a benchmark in world football due to your excellence, commitment to sport and solidarity.

A highly successful career during which FC Barcelona was a key part of your life and story. An inseparable bond that forms part of the Club’s legacy and for which your involvement will always be a source of pride,” the club said.

Inter Miami, where Messi currently plays, also joined in celebrating their captain’s achievement in a message on X.

“Congratulations, captain, on receiving the 2026 Princess of Asturias Award for Sports. Your talent makes history. Your values leave a mark that goes far beyond soccer,” the club said.

The award jury recognized Messi’s remarkable career, his sporting achievements, humility, and his charity work that promotes education and healthcare access for children.

Messi spent over twenty years at Barcelona, becoming one of the club’s most decorated players before he left in 2021. He then joined Paris Saint-Germain before moving to Inter Miami in 2023.

This latest award adds to the 38-year-old’s long list of personal and team achievements, which includes eight Ballon d’Or awards and the 2022 FIFA World Cup with Argentina.