Ballon d’Or 2026: Messi Will Not Present Award, Romano Says

Argentina football legend Lionel Messi will not present a trophy to any winner at the 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

Romano disclosed the development in a post on his verified X account, stating that the Inter Miami forward had not been invited to present an award at the ceremony scheduled for October 26.

He added that Messi’s attendance at the gala had not been confirmed, leaving uncertainty over whether the eight-time winner would be present at the event.

“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,” Romano wrote.

“Also Messi’s attendance at the Ballon d’Or gala has not yet been confirmed,” he added.

Messi, 39, holds the record for the most Ballon d’Or wins, having claimed the prestigious individual award eight times during his career.

The Argentine remains among the 30 nominees for the 2026 edition, despite uncertainty surrounding his participation in the ceremony.

The Ballon d’Or recognises outstanding individual performances in football, with the annual ceremony attracting leading players, coaches and other figures from the sport.

Messi’s possible absence and his reported exclusion from the list of trophy presenters are likely to draw attention given his historic relationship with the award.

However, Romano’s report does not establish whether Messi will attend the ceremony as a guest or whether he could have another role at the event.