Messi to collect Asturias Award before Inter Miami’s Red Bulls clash
Lionel Messi will fly to Spain next week to collect the 2026 Princess of Asturias Award for Sports, with Inter Miami confirming their captain is expected back in time to face the New York Red Bulls on 24 October.
Miami back Messi’s Oviedo trip
Messi is due in Oviedo on 22 October for the award ceremony before returning to North America and rejoining Inter Miami’s match preparations two days later.
Head coach Gonzalez has made clear that the club has no reservations over the Argentine’s brief absence, despite the long transatlantic journey during the closing stretch of the MLS regular season.
“This is an extremely important recognition for him and for his family, and everyone at the club believes he should attend,” Gonzalez said. “After that, I expect to have him available for the match. I want Leo to feel right, and I have no concern about it.”
- Messi will attend the Princess of Asturias ceremony in Oviedo on 22 October.
- He is scheduled to return for Inter Miami’s away game against the Red Bulls in Harrison, New Jersey, on 24 October.
- Miami have already booked their place in the 2026 MLS playoffs.
- The Herons are second in the Eastern Conference as the regular season nears its finish.
A landmark individual honour
The Princess of Asturias Award recognises achievements in fields including sport, literature and international cooperation. Messi was chosen in June by foundation president Teresa Perales and the judging panel.
He will become the first individual footballer to receive the award, which recognises his career on the field as well as his wider impact away from the game.
When the decision was announced, Messi said he felt “very proud” to receive an honour of such significance, particularly because it recognised both his football and his work beyond it. He added that he was grateful for the distinction.
Atlanta comes before Spain
Inter Miami’s immediate focus remains Saturday’s league visit to Atlanta United. The match offers Messi and his team-mates a chance to build further momentum before the playoffs and his midweek trip to Spain.
| Inter Miami and Messi snapshot | Figure |
|---|---|
| Eastern Conference position | 2nd |
| Messi MLS goals | 23 |
| Lead over Petar Musa in Golden Boot race | 4 goals |
Messi leads the MLS Golden Boot standings with 23 goals, four ahead of FC Dallas forward Petar Musa. Following the Atlanta fixture and the Oviedo ceremony, he is set to link back up with Miami for the trip to New Jersey.
