LONDON — Argentine football superstar Lionel Messi is expected to attend the Ballon d’Or awards ceremony scheduled for October 26 in London, where he could be given the responsibility of presenting the trophy to the new winner.
According to reporter Juan Jesus, the Inter Miami forward is expected to attend the event. However, neither Messi’s attendance nor his potential role in presenting the award has been independently confirmed.
Messi, who has won the prestigious Ballon d’Or a record eight times, is once again among the 30 nominees after missing out on nominations in the previous two editions. His most recent victory came in 2023.
The 39-year-old has continued to attract attention for his performances at club and international level, earning another place among the award’s contenders.
This year’s ceremony will take place at the London Palladium, marking the first time the prestigious event is scheduled to be held in the British capital.
The ceremony will also feature other individual honours, including the Kopa Trophy for the best young player and the Yashin Trophy for the best goalkeeper.
If confirmed, Messi’s attendance and potential role in presenting the trophy would add further significance to this year’s ceremony.