Fans create around 30 petitions calling for Messi to be stripped of the Princess of Asturias Award

Users of the Change.org platform have created around 30 petitions demanding that the Princess of Asturias Foundation reconsider its decision to present Lionel Messi with the Princess of Asturias Award for Sports.

The authors of the appeals are calling for the award given to the captain of the Argentina national team to be canceled, revoked, or reconsidered, COPE reports.

The petitions appeared after the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina. Their authors believe that Messi's behavior during the tournament was "unsportsmanlike and contrary to the values of respect."
The appeals mention the Argentine's reaction during the final match, in which Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 thanks to a goal by Ferran Torres in extra time, as well as his behavior during the subsequent awards ceremony.

In addition, users drew attention to the actions of some members of the Argentine delegation during the trophy presentation and to incidents that occurred after the end of the match.

Messi was announced as the winner of the 2026 Princess of Asturias Award for Sports on June 3. At the time, the jury noted his sporting career, charitable work, exemplary conduct on the field, as well as his consistency, modesty, and commitment to team play. The official awards ceremony is scheduled for October.

Source: Championat