• •Lionel Messi was named the recipient of the Princess of Asturias Award for Sports, according to a report by ESPN.
• •The award recognizes Messi's career achievements and his influence on global football, which the jury cited as a model of sportsmanship.
• •Details regarding the official ceremony date and Messi’s confirmed attendance remain unannounced by the foundation.

Lionel Messi has been selected for the Princess of Asturias Award, one of the most significant honors in the Spanish-speaking world. The award is historically given to individuals or organizations whose work has contributed to the benefit of humanity, with the sports category highlighting career-long excellence. While the recognition celebrates his impact on the pitch, some critics note that the decision to honor an active athlete continues a debate over whether the award should focus more on post-career legacy. Whether the Argentine forward will be present in Oviedo for the formal ceremony remains to be confirmed by his representatives.