Inter Miami head coach Cristian "Kily" González has confirmed that Argentine superstar Lionel Messi will travel to Spain next week to receive the prestigious 2026 Princess of Asturias Award for Sports (Princess of Asturias), dismissing concerns regarding mid-season travel fatigue.
The ceremony is scheduled for October 22, 2026, in Oviedo, Spain. Messi, who last June became the first footballer in history to win the accolade, will fly directly back to the United States just two days after the ceremony to rejoin Inter Miami for their crucial Major League Soccer (MLS) fixture against New York Red Bulls in Harrison, New Jersey. Coach González publicly endorsed the trip, emphasizing that the entire club supports Messi’s presence in Spain for such a milestone recognition of his career and humanitarian contributions.
Inter Miami recently secured their qualification for the 2026 MLS Cup Playoffs and currently hold second place in the Eastern Conference. Meanwhile, Messi leads the MLS Golden Boot race with 23 goals, holding a four-goal cushion over FC Dallas striker Petar Musa.
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