Lionel Messi and his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, returned to Spain for a milestone moment in the footballer’s career. On October 23, Messi received the 2026 Princess of Asturias Award for Sports in Oviedo, where he met Princess Leonor during events celebrating this year’s laureates.
Messi Receives the Sports Award From Princess Leonor
Messi attended the ceremony at Oviedo’s Campoamor Theatre after meeting Princess Leonor earlier in the day at the Hotel de la Reconquista. Roccuzzo accompanied him, wearing a grey suit, and the couple were seen holding hands as they joined the other award recipients. Later, Princess Leonor presented Messi with his award diploma during the formal ceremony, attended by King Felipe VI, Queen Letizia and Infanta Sofía.
The Princess of Asturias Foundation announced Messi as the 2026 sports laureate in June. Its jury highlighted his exceptional football career, sustained charitable work, and efforts to improve access to education and healthcare for disadvantaged children. The award recognizes sporting careers that promote sport and demonstrate social commitment.
A Special Return to Spain
The visit carried personal significance for Messi, who spent more than two decades in Spain after moving from Argentina as a teenager to join FC Barcelona’s youth academy. In a statement following the award announcement, he said Spain and Catalonia were part of his life, noting that he grew up as a footballer there and that his children were born there.
Messi’s arrival in Oviedo drew large crowds of supporters, many wearing Argentina shirts and carrying flags and signs. Reports from the event said he stopped to greet fans and sign autographs.
Messi Among an International Group of Laureates
The 2026 Princess of Asturias Awards recognized achievements across several fields. Recipients included singer and writer Patti Smith for the Arts, author Julian Barnes for Literature, historian Timothy Garton Ash for Social Sciences, and astronaut Christina Koch for Concord, among others.
For Messi, the honor recognizes more than his achievements on the pitch. The foundation also pointed to his charitable work supporting children’s health and education. His appearance alongside Roccuzzo and the Spanish royal family marked a notable moment in a career that has connected him with audiences around the world.