Barcelona React As Lionel Messi Wins New Award

Barcelona have congratulated their former captain, Lionel Messi, after he received the 2026 Princess of Asturias Award for Sports in Oviedo, Spain, on Friday.

The Argentine football legend received the honour days before the announcement of the 2026 Ballon d’Or winner in London. The ceremony took place at the Teatro Campoamor, where Princess Leonor presented the award in the presence of King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia. Messi’s wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, also attended.

The jury, chaired by Paralympic swimmer Teresa Perales, selected Messi from 27 candidates representing 12 nationalities. The panel recognised his “dazzling talent”, “exceptional sporting career” and charitable work supporting disadvantaged children’s access to education and healthcare.

Reacting to the achievement in a post on X, Barcelona described the award as deserved recognition of Messi’s contributions both on and off the pitch.

“Congratulations to Leo Messi for the 2026 Princess of Asturias Award for Sports. A well-deserved recognition for your exceptional talent, which has left an indelible mark on and off the pitch,” the club wrote.

Barcelona also highlighted the enduring relationship between Messi and the Catalan club, emphasising his importance to its history and legacy.

“A career full of successes during which FC Barcelona was a key part of your life and history. An inseparable bond that forms part of the club’s legacy and for which your involvement will always be a source of pride,” the statement added.

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Messi progressed through Barcelona’s La Masia academy before making his senior-team debut in 2004. He spent 17 seasons with the first team, leaving in 2021 after scoring 672 goals in 778 official appearances and winning 35 trophies, including four Champions League titles and 10 La Liga championships. The recognition also makes him the first footballer to receive the Princess of Asturias Award for Sports as an individual.