Ballon d’Or 2026: Lionel Messi rumour cools

Fabrizio Romano says Lionel Messi was not invited to present a trophy and that his presence remains uncertain

Ballon d'Or Today at 11:30

Add Foot Africa on Google

Ballon d’Or 2026: Lionel Messi rumour cools

Rumours surrounding Lionel Messi at the 2026 Ballon d’Or have taken a new turn following a clarification from Fabrizio Romano.

The situation regarding Lionel Messi at the 2026 Ballon d’Or has taken another twist. While his presence in London on 26 October had been reported in recent hours, Fabrizio Romano provided an important clarification on Tuesday.

The Italian journalist states that the Argentine will not present any trophy during the ceremony, as he was not invited to take on that role. He also adds that the presence of the record holder for the most Ballon d’Or wins has still not been confirmed at this stage.

“Lionel Messi will not present any trophy to the Ballon d’Or winners, as he was not invited to do so. His presence at the Ballon d’Or ceremony has not been confirmed either.”

🚨🌕 Lionel Messi will not be presenting a trophy to any of the winners at the Ballon d’Or, as he has not been invited to do so. Also Messi’s attendance at the Ballon d’Or gala has not yet been confirmed. https://t.co/T9rl8X8UdU
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 13, 2026

A presence and a special role had been mentioned the day before

This clarification comes a day after reports suggested something quite different. Lionel Messi had been announced as attending the 26 October ceremony, with even the possibility of presenting the trophy to the future winner. However, the information had not been made official by the organisers, and Foot Africa had already pointed out that his presence in London, as well as any potential role on stage, remained subject to confirmation.

Fabrizio Romano’s statement therefore casts doubt on that possibility. For now, no official announcement from France Football or UEFA confirms Messi’s participation in the event at the London Palladium.

Yamal, Mbappé and Kane among the leading names in contention

Thirty players feature on the official list of nominees for the 2026 men’s Ballon d’Or. Among the most closely followed candidates are Lamine Yamal, Kylian Mbappé and Harry Kane.

Voting has already closed and the winner will be revealed on 26 October in London, during the 70th edition of the Ballon d’Or. Until then, the suspense remains, including over whether Lionel Messi will be in attendance.