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Lionel Messi Awarded Princess of Asturias Sports Prize, Third Footballer to Receive It
The Argentine forward was honored on June 3, 2026. Catalan newspaper SPORT called him the 'King of Football' after the award announcement.
Jun 3, 7:05 AM·1m read1 source
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Lionel Messi received the Princess of Asturias Award for Sports on June 3, 2026. Forbes reported the award and noted that Messi is the third football player to receive it. Catalan newspaper SPORT called Messi the 'King of Football' and the 'best footballer of all time' after the announcement.
The paper listed his current trophy total at 47. Thirty-five of those trophies came during his time at FC Barcelona from 2004 to 2021. He won five with Argentina, three with Paris Saint-Germain, and four with Inter Miami.
Messi has eight Ballon d’Or awards and six Golden Boots. Forbes stated that his European scoring record was built during his years at the Spotify Camp Nou. This month Messi will help Argentina defend the World Cup title won in Qatar four years ago.
The tournament could mark his final appearance for the national team. Messi turns 39 on June 24. He signed a contract extension with Inter Miami through 2028 in October 2025. Xavi Hernandez and Iker Casillas received the Princess of Asturias Award for Sports jointly in 2012 after Spain’s run of titles that included the 2008 Euros, the 2010 World Cup, and the 2012 Euros.
Iker Casillas posted a statement on X about Jose Mourinho. “I have no problem with Mourinho,” Casillas wrote. “I think he's a great professional. I just don't want him at Real Madrid. I believe other coaches would be better suited to manage the club I love.
That’s just my personal opinion.
