Messi set for Asturias award trip before Inter Miami face Red Bulls
Lionel Messi will travel to Oviedo next week to collect the 2026 Princess of Asturias Award for Sports and is still expected to feature for Inter Miami against the New York Red Bulls two days later, coach Cristian “Kily” González has confirmed.
Messi cleared for Spain trip and Red Bulls return
Messi is scheduled to attend the awards ceremony in the Spanish city on Oct. 22 before Miami face the Red Bulls in Harrison, New Jersey.
González has backed the Argentine captain to make the trip, calling the recognition important for both Messi and his family. The Miami coach also made clear that the travel plan will not rule the forward out of the following MLS fixture.
“He has this event in Oviedo and I am pleased that he is taking it on in this way,” González said on Friday. “Everyone at the club believes he needs to be there because it is an enormously significant award, for him and for his family.
“After that, I expect to have him for the New York Red Bulls match. I have said before that I want Leo to be well. He needs this, he will attend it, and then he will be available for the game. I have no concern about it.”
Historic individual honour
The Princess of Asturias Award celebrates outstanding contributions across areas including sport, literature, scientific and technical research, social sciences and international co-operation.
Messi became the first individual footballer selected for the prize when the decision was announced in June. The judging panel includes foundation president Teresa Perales.
Reacting to the announcement, Messi said he was proud that the award recognised his work away from football as well as his achievements on the pitch.
- Messi will receive the 2026 Princess of Asturias Award for Sports in Oviedo on Oct. 22.
- He is the first single football player to be awarded the honour.
- Miami intend for him to rejoin the squad for the trip to the New York Red Bulls.
Miami’s immediate schedule
Inter Miami have already booked their place in the 2026 MLS playoffs after Wednesday’s result and sit second in the Eastern Conference.
Before Messi’s Spain visit, Miami travel to Atlanta United on Saturday. González’s side then turn their attention to the Red Bulls match in New Jersey.
| Inter Miami snapshot | Figure |
|---|---|
| Eastern Conference position | 2nd |
| Messi MLS goals | 23 |
| Golden Boot lead over Petar Musa | 4 goals |
What happens next
Messi remains at the head of the MLS Golden Boot race with 23 goals, four clear of FC Dallas forward Petar Musa. Miami will first assess their options for Saturday in Atlanta before Messi heads to Spain and returns for the Red Bulls encounter.
