Leo Messi is already in Oviedo, where on Friday he will receive the 2026 Princess of Asturias Award for Sports. 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 among 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. The Inter Miami player also spent a few minutes with his fans, signing shirts and photographs.

The anticipation surrounding his visit has also been evident in the programme of events scheduled ahead of the ceremony. Tickets for Messi’s meeting with young people and schoolchildren at Oviedo’s Palacio de los Deportes sold out in barely 13 minutes. The awards ceremony will take place this Friday at the Teatro Campoamor.

The Argentine, who has collected 47 titles over the course of his career, has been honoured with the 2026 Princess of Asturias Award for Sports (source in Spanish)in recognition both of his sporting achievements and of his commitment to children.

The jury has praised his talent, his career and his charitable work to improve disadvantaged children’s access to education and healthcare.