Messi's Ballon d'Or attendance uncertain after reported lack of invitation to present award

Lionel Messi's attendance at the 2026 Ballon d'Or ceremony, set for October 26 in London, remains unconfirmed after journalist Fabrizio Romano said he received no invitation to present the award.

• The ceremony will be held at the London Palladium on October 26, marking the award's 70th anniversary.
• Romano said on X that Messi will not present any award to the winners because he has not received an invitation.
• Romano stated Messi's attendance at the ceremony has not been confirmed despite earlier reports he planned to attend.
• Messi is among the final nominees for the 2026 award, having won it a record eight times.