Lionel Messi Crowned With 2026 Princess Of Asturias Sports Prize
Argentine football superstar, Lionel Messi has been named the recipient of the 2026 Princess of Asturias Award for Sports. The jury announced the decision on Wednesday, praising the Inter Miami CF star’s extraordinary career. In a statement, the Princess of Asturias Foundation highlighted Messi’s sustained excellence, record-breaking achievements, and worldwide influence as key reasons for the selection. Born in Rosario, Argentina on June 24, 1987, Messi began his journey at Newell’s Old Boys before joining Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy at age 13. He debuted for Barça’s first team in 2004 and went on to collect 35 trophies with the Catalan club, including four Champions League titles, ten La Liga crowns, seven Copa del Rey trophies, three FIFA Club World Cups, three UEFA Super Cups, and eight Spanish Super Cups. After stints at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and now with MLS side Inter Miami, Messi has also shone on the international stage, captaining Argentina to victory in...