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Barcelona legend Lionel Messi returns to Spain for prestigious royal honor in Oviedo

Barcelona legend Lionel Messi has arrived in Oviedo, Spain, to dine with King Felipe VI and receive the 2026 Princess of Asturias Award from Princess Leonor.

By Parag J Kalita · Everything Barca

Published: Thursday, 22 October 2026 at 5:06 PM

Key Things to Know

Lionel Messi arrived in Oviedo, Spain, to receive the 2026 Princess of Asturias Award for Sports.
Messi is attending a dinner with King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia before receiving the honor from Princess Leonor.
The award recognizes individuals of international prestige whose sporting contributions elevate their discipline to an art.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Former Barcelona captain Lionel Messi has arrived in Oviedo, Spain, to receive the prestigious 2026 Princess of Asturias Award for Sports. Ahead of Friday's ceremony at the Teatro Campoamor, where Princess Leonor will present the honor, Messi is scheduled to attend a formal dinner with King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia.

The Princess of Asturias Award recognizes Messi's historic sporting career and contributions to football, placing him alongside past recipients such as Xavi Hernandez and Iker Casillas. Following the events in Spain, the 39-year-old Argentine forward will travel to the United Kingdom to attend the 70th Ballon d'Or ceremony at the London Palladium.

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Barcelona legend Lionel Messi returns to Spain for prestigious royal honor in Oviedo

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