Online petitions call for Messi’s Princess of Asturias award to be revoked

Petitions have appeared on Change.org calling for Argentina captain Lionel Messi to be stripped of the 2026 Princess of Asturias Award for Sports. The precise number of petitions and signatures could not be independently verified.

The petitioners criticised the conduct of Messi and the Argentine team following their 1-0 defeat by Spain in the World Cup final, saying it was inconsistent with the principles of respect and fair play.

The Princess of Asturias Foundation has not publicly said it is considering withdrawing the award. Its official website continues to list Messi as the 2026 laureate, citing his sporting achievements and charitable work.

FIFA has separately opened disciplinary proceedings against the Argentine Football Association and several players over incidents at the World Cup, including a post-final brawl. Messi was not named among the individuals charged in the reports published so far.

N.Tebrizli