Why is Lionel Messi not attending the Ballon d’Or ceremony?
Lionel Messi has won the Ballon d’Or eight times, with his last title coming in 2023. | Photo Credit: AP
Lionel Messi has won the Ballon d’Or eight times, with his last title coming in 2023. | Photo Credit: AP
The Ballon d’Or Ceremony began with its trademark pomp and show in London on Monday. The 2026 edition of the award show has shifted to the London Palladium instead of Paris commemorating the inaugural edition and its winner Sir Stanley Mathhews.
However, one major absentee in the guests was Argentina legend Lionel Messi, the most successful player in the history Ballon d’Or awards, with eight titles.
There has not been any official communication from Messi or his camp on his absence. But local media from Argentina claim that 39-year-old decided not attend the ceremony because of a packed schedule.
Messi reportedly decided not to attend the Ballon d’Or 2026 ceremony yafter a string of trips in recent days. The Argentine was in Spain for the Princess of Asturias Award and then traveled to New York, where Inter Miami lost 0-2 to New York Red Bulls.
He was later spotted at a Messi Cup game between UE Cornellá and from Boca in Fort Lauderdale, Miami.
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