Inter Miami coach Cristian “Kily” González said he has no worries about Lionel Messi’s travel plans, as the Argentine star will head to Spain next week to accept the 2026 Princess of Asturias Award for Sports before returning to play for the club two days later. Messi is scheduled to attend the ceremony in Oviedo on October 22, and will be back in Harrison, New Jersey, for the MLS match against the New York Red Bulls on October 24.
González told reporters on Friday that the club fully supports Messi’s participation in the award ceremony, describing it as a “terribly important” honor for both the player and his family. “I love that he will assume it in this way,” he said. “Then, of course, I will count on him for the game against the New York Red Bulls. Leo has the possibility, not an advantage, and I said it the other day after the match, I want him to be good. He needs this. He’ll be there, then I will have him at the game so I’m not worried about that at all.” The award, which recognizes achievements in fields such as literature, social sciences, scientific research, international cooperation and sports, made Messi the first individual footballer to receive the honor, a decision announced in June by a jury that includes the foundation’s president, Teresa Perales.
Messi expressed his gratitude when the award was announced, saying, “The truth is that for me it is a great pride to be able to receive this recognition because of the importance it has and for the fact that it is recognized not only for what I do on the pitch but also off the pitch. I am very happy, and very grateful. I wanted to let you know and send a big hug to everyone. Thank you and see you soon.”
The Inter Miami CF team currently sits second in the Eastern Conference standings and has already secured a berth in the 2026 MLS playoffs. Messi is leading the league’s Golden Boot race with 23 goals, four ahead of FC Dallas’s Petar Musa. After the Red Bulls fixture, the team will travel to Atlanta to face United FC on Saturday.