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Lionel Messi has arrived in Oviedo, Spain, with his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, ahead of the 2026 Princess of Asturias Awards ceremony.
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The Argentine legend will receive the Sports Award in recognition of his outstanding career, lasting impact on football, talent, dedication and ability to inspire millions worldwide.
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Messi is scheduled to participate in an event with students and members of the academic community before attending an official dinner with the King and Queen of Spain.
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The Princess of Asturias Foundation recognised Messi’s consistency, humility, team-first mentality, conduct on the pitch and charitable work when selecting him from 27 candidates representing 12 nationalities.
October 22, (THEWILL) – Lionel Messi has arrived in Spain to receive the Sports Award in recognition of his outstanding career and lasting impact on football at the 2026 Princess of Asturias Awards.
The Embassy of Spain in the United Kingdom announced his arrival in a post on X.
The post read: “Lionel Messi has arrived in Oviedo ahead of tomorrow’s 2026 Princess of Asturias Awards.
“He will receive the Sports Award for his outstanding career and lasting impact on football, inspiring millions with his talent and dedication.”
Messi arrived with his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo. Both dressed in black, they stopped to greet several supporters gathered outside the hotel.
Messi is scheduled to take part in an event with students, members of the academic community and the general public at the Palacio de los Deportes on Thursday evening.
He will also attend an official dinner with the King and Queen of Spain and the other award recipients.
On Friday, the day will begin at 11:40 a.m. with a royal reception at the Hotel Reconquista, where the honorees will receive a commemorative pin and take part in the official group photo.
An official lunch will follow before Messi heads to the Teatro Campoamor at 6:30 p.m. for the Princess of Asturias Awards ceremony.
Messi was announced as the winner on June 3, selecting him from 27 candidates representing 12 nationalities.
The Foundation highlighted his talent, extraordinary sporting career and charitable work, while also emphasizing his consistency, humility, team-first mentality and conduct on the pitch.
Messi will join the likes of Serena Williams, Carolina Marin, Eliud Kipchoge, Rafael Nadal, Michael Schumacher, Fernando Alonso, Pau and Marc Gasol, as well as Spain’s 2010 World Cup-winning national team as those who have won the award in sports.
Messi has won 48 senior team trophies, alongside 8 Ballon d’Or awards and numerous other individual honor in his illustrious career.
READ ALSO:
What You Need To Know About the Princess of Asturias Award Sports Category
In the sports category, the award is not simply about victories or records.
It recognizes careers that have contributed to the development of sport while also becoming an example through their social impact and the values they represent.
The ceremony is held every year at the Teatro Campoamor in Oviedo. The award includes a sculpture designed by Joan Miró, a diploma, an insignia and €50,000.
The Princess of Asturias Awards are a series of annual prizes awarded in Spain by the Princess of Asturias Foundation to individuals, entities or organizations from around the world who make notable achievements in the sciences, humanities, and public affairs.
