Lionel Messi has not yet made a final decision on attending the 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony, despite organizers awaiting the Argentine star’s participation in an event that marks his return to the list of nominees.
According to Mundo Deportivo, the Inter Miami captain’s presence remains pending due to his demanding schedule, and he will not deliver his final answer before the conclusion of his team’s upcoming match in the United States.
Messi intends to make his decision following Inter Miami’s clash against the New York Red Bulls scheduled for Saturday, making that match the final step before deciding whether to travel to the British capital.
The Argentine star is currently in Oviedo, Spain, where he will receive the Princess of Asturias Award for Sports on Friday, before immediately returning to the United States following the honoring ceremony at the Campoamor Theatre.
A potential attendance at the Ballon d’Or gala would require another transatlantic journey within a few days, having traveled to Spain for the honors and returned to join his squad, making travel arrangements and rest influential factors in his decision.
The ceremony will take place on Monday, October 26, at the London Palladium, marking the 70th edition of the award and a historic relocation of the event to London following its long association with the French capital, Paris.
Messi features among the 30 nominees alongside prominent names such as Lamine Yamal, Kylian Mbappé, Harry Kane, and Rodri; however, his inclusion on the shortlist does not guarantee his attendance or reveal his final ranking in the voting.
The Argentina captain remains the record holder for the award with eight titles, the last of which was in 2023, while organizers await his response after the New York match to see if he will return to the stage that witnessed his most notable individual accolades.
