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Lionel Messi's World Cup final behaviour sparks petition to strip him of prestigious award

A prestigious honour recently awarded to Lionel Messi is facing calls to be withdrawn following a furious backlash sparked by the aftermath of the 2026 World Cup final

[Lionel Messi points]

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Lionel Messi could have is award stripped(Image: AFP or licensors)

Calls for Lionel Messi to be stripped of the Princess of Asturias Award for Sports have intensified in the wake of the 2026 World Cup final. The prestigious honour - presented to individuals and organisations for outstanding contributions to sport, science, the humanities and public affairs - was awarded to the Argentine icon in June.

In explaining its decision, the jury pointed not only to Messi's extraordinary achievements on the pitch but also praised his extensive charitable work, his exemplary on-field conduct and his perseverance, humility and commitment to team play.

But that decision has since come under intense scrutiny following Argentina's 1-0 defeat to Spain in last month's World Cup final. Tempers flared at the final whistle as several Argentine players became embroiled in heated confrontations with their Spanish counterparts.

Although Messi did not take part in any of the physical clashes, he and his team-mates drew criticism by turning their backs and refusing to watch Spain's trophy presentation - a gesture widely condemned as lacking in sportsmanship.

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The backlash has prompted multiple petitions calling for Messi to be stripped of the Princess of Asturias Award, with critics arguing his actions fell short of the standards of conduct the honour is intended to recognise.

One petition argues that Messi displayed behaviour that was "unsportsmanlike and contrary to the values of respect and fair play that the sport promotes." It also states that stripping him of the award would "send a clear message about the importance of maintaining exemplary conduct in all facets of life, especially in the realm of sports."

Another initiative maintains that revoking the honour would help "restore confidence in the fairness and rigour" of these awards, which have been awarded to the likes of Al Gore, David Attenborough, Rafael Nadal and Stephen Hawking.

[Lionel Messi looks at his second place medal ]

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Messi finished runner-up in the World Cup for the second time in his career(Image: PATRICIA DE MELO MOREIRA / AFP via Getty Images)

Messi, 39, is due to receive the award at a ceremony in October. When announcing him as the recipient, the Princess of Asturias Foundation said: "In addition to [Messi's] dazzling talent, the Jury has highlighted his exceptional sporting career and his formidable and continued charitable work to promote access to education and health care for the most disadvantaged children.

"Leo Messi, the player who has won the most titles in the history of football, has also earned the respect and admiration of everyone for his exemplary behaviour on the field and for his consistency, humility and commitment to the team game."

Messi was denied the fairy-tale ending to his international career as Argentina fell to a 1-0 extra-time defeat against Spain in the World Cup final in New Jersey. Ferran Torres struck the decisive goal shortly after Enzo Fernandez had been sent off, bringing Argentina's title defence to a heartbreaking conclusion.

[Argentina stars all stood with their backs to Spain in front of their fans as the winners received their World Cup medals]

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The Argentina players all stood with their backs to Spain as the winners received their World Cup medals(Image: Maja Hitij - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

Spain were worthy winners, dominating proceedings from start to finish. They enjoyed 68 per cent possession and fired 20 shots at goal, while Argentina managed just three attempts - all of them coming only after falling behind in extra time.

The match, however, was ultimately overshadowed by chaotic scenes after the final whistle. Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes is among several individuals under investigation by FIFA after being charged with three counts of violent conduct. The midfielder was seen physically manhandling two Spain players during the post-match confrontations.

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