Including Messi in the Sports category reinforces Latin America’s presence in the awards.

On Friday, Argentine footballer Lionel Messi joined the list of Latin American personalities recognized with the Princess of Asturias Award, expanding a regional presence that now includes 45 prominent figures.

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Since 1981, Latin America has played a significant role in these awards, accumulating 64 prizes awarded to individuals and institutions from fifteen countries in the region.

Mexico leads the list with 21 awards, followed by Argentina, Colombia, and Brazil, with eight each. Venezuela, Peru, Guatemala, Cuba, Chile, Honduras, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Panama, Uruguay, and Puerto Rico are also represented.

Among the honored institutions are the National Museum of Anthropology of Mexico, the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), the Caro y Cuervo Institute of Colombia, the People of Puerto Rico, and the Brazilian National Football Team.

Leo Messi, Premio Princesa de Asturias de los Deportes 2026. #PremiosPrincesadeAsturias pic.twitter.com/nsL2sctvqR

— Fundación Princesa de Asturias (@fpa) October 23, 2026

The text reads, “Leo Messi, Princess of Asturias Award for Sports 2026.”

In literature, figures such as Mexican Juan Rulfo and Peruvian writer Mario Vargas Llosa stand out, while in communication and popular culture, the Argentine Quino, creator of Mafalda, was recognized.

The region’s political and social dimension has also been recognized, with figures such as Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, distinguished for his contribution to international cooperation.

These personalities represent contributions to human rights, literature, journalism, science, politics, and art. Including Messi in the Sports category reinforces Latin America’s presence in the awards and adds one of the most influential footballers of all time.

#Argentina | Students and university workers held their fifth Federal University March, demanding funding and unpaid wages amid Milei's austerity cuts.
Police used tear gas and water cannons against protesters.#PublicEducation #UniversityProtests #teleSUREnglish pic.twitter.com/ZX7IAqk1XR

— teleSUR English (@telesurenglish) October 16, 2026

teleSUR: JP

Source: EFE