Argentina football legend Lionel Messi attended an official reception with King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain during a visit to the country to receive the 2026 Princess of Asturias Award for Sports.
Messi, who travelled to Spain with his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, attended the reception in Oviedo on Thursday, 22 October. Other recipients of the Princess of Asturias Awards were also present at the event.
The footballer also took part in an event with students and football fans, where he spoke about his experiences in the sport. The awards ceremony took place on Friday, 23 October, at the Campoamor Theatre in Oviedo, where Princess Leonor presented Messi with the sports award.
The Princess of Asturias Foundation recognised Messi’s achievements in football and highlighted his charitable work, including efforts to improve access to education and healthcare for disadvantaged children.
Messi spent much of his career at Barcelona, becoming one of the club’s most celebrated players. He has won the Ballon d’Or eight times and captained Argentina to victory at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
