Lionel Messi has arrived in Oviedo, Spain for a ceremony this Friday where he will receive the Princess of Asturias 2026 for Sports for his sporting career.

Upon landing in Northern Spain, the former FC Barcelona captain will have a formal dinner tonight with the King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain. Meanwhile, tomorrow he will receive the honor in the Teatro Campoamor in Oviedo directly from Princess Leonor.

An honor that goes beyond the football pitch

The awards, granted by the Princess of Asturias Foundation, are considered the most prestigious in Spain, also being known as the Spanish Nobels. They recognize the work of individuals and organisations of international prestige who have contributed to fields such as the sciences, humanities, public life or sports.

Regarding the sports category, the jury takes into account that the winner goes beyond the results on the pitch and "makes people admire your sport and elevates it to an art". For being one of the best footballers in history, Messi joins in this list of renowned athletes such as Xavi Hernandez, former FC Barcelona captain, who in 2012 shared the honor with Iker Casillas. Meanwhile, the Spain national team that won the 2010 World Cup is also part of this group of winners.

A royal reception on Spanish soil

For the Blaugrana supporters, seeing Messi on Spanish soil always brings a feeling of nostalgia since he arrived in Catalunya as a teenager and, for more than 20 years, set the standard of quality in the FC Barcelona shirt.

That is why, for Messi to be welcomed in the royal palace of King Felipe VI, Queen Letizia, and Princess Leonor, is due to how he has marked the history of Spain. Even after years of leaving the Spotify Camp Nou, the country where he made his footballing pilgrimage continues to recognize him as a sporting idol.

For the 39-year-old Argentinean, this visit to Spain also marks the beginning of a European week. After this Friday's royal event in Oviedo, Messi and his family will travel to the United Kingdom, where the 70th Ballon d’Or ceremony will be held. The event will take place on Monday, October 26 at the London Palladium and will crown the best men's and women's players of the year, in what is expected to be a memorable week for the Barcelona legend.