Lionel Messi sparks euphoria in Oviedo ahead of Princess of Asturias award ceremony
Lionel Messi has arrived in Oviedo, Spain, to receive the 2026 Princess of Asturias Award for Sports. The event honors his career achievements and his charitable contributions to children's welfare.
Why it matters
The award is one of Spain's most prestigious honors, highlighting the intersection of global sports stardom and humanitarian impact.
Leo Messi has landed in Oviedo, where on Friday night he will receive the 2026 Princess of Asturias Award for Sports, one of Spain's most prestigious prizes.The Argentine footballer arrived in the Asturian capital on Thursday, where hundreds of fans were waiting to welcome him. His visit has generated huge excitement far beyond his supporters.Messi reached the city at around 13:00, accompanied by his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo. He was greeted there by the director of the Princess of Asturias Foundation, Teresa Sanjurjo, to applause and the sound of bagpipes.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in