Lionel Messi event in Oviedo sells out in 13 minutes

Lionel Messi has sparked massive interest in Spain ahead of receiving the 2026 Princess of Asturias Award for Sports. Demand for a special event in Oviedo featuring the footballer reached a peak of 16,200 simultaneous users in a virtual queue, resulting in all 4,700 available free tickets being claimed within just 13 minutes.

The event, scheduled for Thursday, October 22, at the Palacio de los Deportes, is designed for children and youth as part of the ‘Toma la palabra’ cultural program. In addition to the ticket holders, 1,500 students from the ‘El juego del 10’ initiative will participate.

Messi is being honored for his exceptional sporting career and his philanthropic work supporting education and healthcare for disadvantaged children. His visit to Asturias includes a broader cultural agenda featuring other laureates, such as singer Patti Smith and astronaut Christina Koch. Following his commitments in Spain, Messi is expected to return to the United States to rejoin Inter Miami.