New York, June 4 -- Inter Miami CF star and reigning world champion Lionel Messi has been awarded the 2026 Princess of Asturias Award for Sports, becoming the first individual footballer to receive the prestigious honour.

The Princess of Asturias Award recognises individuals and institutions for outstanding achievements in fields including arts, literature, social sciences, scientific and technical research, international cooperation, and sport.

The jury, which included foundation president Teresa Perales, voted to award the honour to Messi, as per ESPN.

"The truth is that for me it is a great pride to be able to receive this recognition because of the importance it has and for the fact that it is recognised not only for what I do on t...