Messi to Meet Spain's Royals Before Asturias Award

Lionel Messi to Dine With Spain’s Royal Family Before Prestigious Award

Lionel Messi is set for another unforgettable moment away from the football pitch, with the Argentine superstar expected to attend an official dinner with King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain in Oviedo on Thursday evening.

The Inter Miami captain has reportedly been invited to the dinner alongside members of the Spanish Royal Family and fellow recipients of the 2026 Princess of Asturias Awards. The gathering comes ahead of Friday’s ceremony, where Messi will receive the prestigious Princess of Asturias Award for Sports in recognition of his remarkable career and contribution to football.

Messi Set for Special Honour in Spain

Messi is expected to arrive in Oviedo on Thursday, October 22, ahead of the official award ceremony scheduled for Friday, October 23, at the historic Campoamor Theatre.

His visit has generated considerable excitement, with thousands of supporters eager to see the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner in person. According to Spanish media reports, tickets for a public event featuring Messi in Oviedo sold out in just 13 minutes, highlighting the extraordinary interest surrounding his appearance.

The Argentine is also scheduled to participate in an event with members of the educational community, particularly young people, on Thursday afternoon.

The reported royal dinner will add another distinguished occasion to a visit that celebrates Messi’s achievements both on and off the pitch.

Recognition of a Legendary Football Career

Messi was selected for the 2026 Princess of Asturias Award for Sports by the award’s jury, with the foundation highlighting his extraordinary sporting achievements and wider influence.

His career has included four UEFA Champions League titles, numerous domestic honours with Barcelona, and international glory with Argentina at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. He has also won two Copa América titles with his national team.

Beyond his achievements on the pitch, Messi has supported charitable initiatives through the Leo Messi Foundation, which focuses on improving children’s access to healthcare and education.

The Princess of Asturias Awards recognise outstanding contributions across several fields, including sport, science, arts, literature and international cooperation. Each award includes a sculpture, diploma, insignia and a financial prize of €50,000.

A Proud Moment for Messi

For Messi, the recognition represents another milestone in a career that has made him one of football’s most celebrated figures.

His upcoming meeting with Spain’s royal family also reflects the wider cultural significance of his legacy, particularly in Spain, where he spent more than 15 years representing Barcelona and established himself as one of the club’s greatest players.

The official ceremony will take place on Friday, October 23, in Oviedo, with King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia scheduled to preside over the awards alongside Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofía.

Messi’s visit is expected to be brief because of his commitments with Inter Miami, but the honour will provide another memorable chapter in the Argentine legend’s extraordinary journey.

All eyes will now be on Oviedo as Messi prepares to receive one of Spain’s most prestigious recognitions in sport.