Lionel Messi Accepts Top Spanish Award as Historic Farewell Match Looms

Lionel Messi has been honored with one of the Spanish-speaking world's top accolades, the Princess of Asturias Award for Sports, in a ceremony attended by dozens of cheering fans. The Argentine legend, 39, collected the award from Princess Leonor in Oviedo on October 26, 2026, capping a week where his enduring star power was also highlighted by a new career-high earnings report and the confirmation of a historic on-field reunion with his great rival.

Messi Honored for a 'Unique Career' in Spain

Princess Leonor presented Messi with the formal parchment, praising his "unique career" and his ability to turn the extraordinary into routine. The heir to the Spanish throne noted how he read the game in fractions of a second while respecting the collective. The award, which includes prize money of 50,000 euros, was announced in June with the jury hailing "the most successful footballer of all time" and his social work. Messi spent 21 years at Barcelona, forming the core of a side that dominated under Pep Guardiola and Luis Enrique. Speaking at an event with children in Oviedo, Messi said the most important thing in football is knowing how to lose and how to win.

A Historic On-Field Reunion with Ronaldo is Set

For the first time in their careers, Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo will play on the same team. They have agreed to feature in Carlos Tevez's farewell match at La Bombonera Stadium in Buenos Aires this December. Tevez, the former Juventus forward, has secured approval from Boca Juniors president Juan Román Riquelme for the exhibition. The match will pit a team of Argentine and Boca legends managed by Carlos Bianchi against an international squad assembled by Tevez. Alongside Messi and Ronaldo, guests like Patrice Evra and Paul Pogba are confirmed. Broadcasters are scrambling for rights, with tickets expected to go on sale soon for what is likely a December 20 date.

Messi's Earnings Hit a New Peak Despite Retirement

Even after retiring from international football earlier this year, Messi's commercial appeal continues to grow. Forbes projects his 2026 earnings at $145 million, a career high. This consists of a $70 million salary from Inter Miami and $75 million from endorsements and business ventures. His new deals this year include partnerships with OpenAI and Duracell. His contract with the MLS club runs through 2028 and includes an option for an ownership stake upon retirement. However, he still trails his perennial rival, as Cristiano Ronaldo tops the earnings list with $300 million. Together, the two legends account for nearly half of the top ten football earners' combined income.

The Ballon d'Or Legacy Stands Unmatched

As the football world prepares for the 2026 Ballon d'Or ceremony on October 30, Messi's record of eight wins remains the benchmark. The award's history, tracing back to Sir Stanley Matthews in 1956, includes only a handful of truly historic victories. Messi's collection, along with Cristiano Ronaldo's five, defines the modern era of the prize. Lev Yashin in 1963 remains the only goalkeeper to win, while George Weah in 1995 is the sole African recipient. Messi's final international act was scoring his 126th goal for Argentina in his 208th appearance before calling time on his career after the 2026 World Cup final loss to Spain.

• Historic Match: Messi and Ronaldo will play together for the first time in Carlos Tevez's farewell at La Bombonera in December 2026.
• Prestigious Honor: Messi received the Princess of Asturias Award for Sports in a ceremony with Princess Leonor on October 26.
• Financial Power: Messi's projected 2026 earnings of $145 million are a personal best, though less than half of Ronaldo's $300 million.