The key facts
- Messi, according to The Touchline, will skip the anniversary Ballon d'Or ceremony on October 26 in London
- The possible reason is a packed schedule: returning to Inter Miami after a trip to Spain
- The Argentine remains a nominee and could receive a ninth trophy, further extending his record
Messi will not attend the anniversary gala
Lionel Messi will not appear at the 2026 Ballon d'Or ceremony, even though he himself is a contender for the award. This information was shared by The Touchline on the social network X ahead of the anniversary gala in London.
A possible reason is a packed schedule
One of the possible reasons for the decision is said to be the footballer's demanding schedule. According to Diario SPORT, Messi recently visited Spain, from where he is due to return to the United States for the final stretch of the MLS regular season. Another long transatlantic flight in a short period of time could have interfered with his preparation for matches. Earlier, Life.ru reported that the footballer was invited to an official dinner with King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia in connection with the Princess of Asturias Awards, but the Argentine did not plan to stay long in Europe due to his commitments to Inter Miami.
Intrigue surrounding his attendance
A separate intrigue arose around Messi's participation in the gala evening: the press suggested that the eight-time trophy winner would personally announce the new winner and hand him the prize. However, on October 13 the well-known insider Fabrizio Romano refuted such reports. Now, according to The Touchline, the Argentine will skip the event altogether.
A chance for a ninth trophy
At the same time, the 39-year-old forward retains the opportunity to add to his collection of individual achievements: in September he was included in the list of 30 nominees based on the results of the 2025/26 season. If he wins, he will receive his ninth Ballon d'Or, further extending his record — no other player has yet managed to win the trophy eight times.
The anniversary ceremony in London
The anniversary, 70th ceremony will take place on October 26 at the London Palladium theatre. For the first time in history, the award will be presented outside France, and the choice of the British capital is connected with the first laureate — the Englishman Stanley Matthews, who received the prize established by France Football magazine in 1956. Last year's winner was Paris Saint-Germain and France national team forward Ousmane Dembélé.
What it means for fans
The event matters to fans who follow the main individual award in world football: the absence of the main contender at the anniversary ceremony, held outside France for the first time, changes the usual script of the evening. For Inter Miami, the decision means that Messi remains with the squad during a key stretch of the MLS regular season. The winner's name will finally be announced following the ceremony on October 26.
