While rumours continue to circulate about his attendance, one detail appears clear: Messi has not been invited to present the trophy to a winner this year. Sports journalist Fabrizio Romano reported on 13 October that the Argentine had not been asked to take on such a role. At that point, his attendance at the ceremony had also not been confirmed. Neither Messi nor the organisers have issued a subsequent announcement clarifying the situation.
Spanish sports publication Mundo Deportivo had earlier reported that the organisers were waiting for Messi’s decision. According to that account, the forward could make his final decision about travelling to London after completing his commitments with Inter Miami. His demanding schedule in the United States has added to the uncertainty surrounding his participation.
Inter Miami faced the New York Red Bulls at Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, New Jersey, on Saturday. Miami lost the match 2-0, bringing an end to the club’s run of three consecutive victories. Messi began the match on the bench and came on as a substitute in the 56th minute.
The fixture followed a busy week for the Argentine. On Friday, he received the Princess of Asturias Award for Sport in Oviedo, Spain, before returning to the United States. The international journey, combined with his club commitments, has left him with limited time to travel to Europe again.
Back in Miami, Messi is also occupied with the second edition of the Messi Cup, a youth football tournament established under his name. The Under-16 competition began on Sunday and features 16 academy teams. It is scheduled to continue until 1 November, bringing together young players from different football academies.
Inter Miami also have an important fixture against FC Cincinnati on Wednesday night. With the team continuing its competitive schedule and the youth tournament under way, a trip to London on Monday would involve another lengthy journey within a demanding period. These commitments could influence Messi’s decision, although no official reason has been given for the uncertainty surrounding his attendance.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid are preparing to return to the Ballon d’Or ceremony after a two-year absence. French sports newspaper L’Équipe reported that the possibility of Kylian Mbappé winning the award was a factor behind the club’s decision. The expected return has added another talking point to an event already attracting considerable attention.
Messi’s prospects of winning the Ballon d’Or for a record-extending ninth time, however, are not widely regarded as strong. At 39, the Argentine has continued to produce impressive performances at both international and club level. According to the original report, he scored eight goals and provided four assists during a World Cup campaign that ended with Argentina losing the final to Spain. He also scored 43 goals in club football and played a significant role in helping Inter Miami secure their first MLS Cup title.
Despite those achievements, another Ballon d’Or victory is considered unlikely by analysts. The award recognises individual excellence over a designated period, with performances, team achievements and the strength of the competition all contributing to the final assessment. Messi’s remarkable career and continued influence on the pitch ensure that he remains a prominent figure in the discussion, even if his chances of lifting the trophy again appear limited.
His nomination after a lengthy interval has nevertheless renewed interest in his relationship with the prestigious award. Having won it eight times, Messi remains one of its most successful recipients, and any appearance at the ceremony would attract considerable attention from supporters and the wider football community.
For now, the focus remains on whether he will make the journey to London. With Inter Miami’s fixtures, his involvement in the Messi Cup and the demands of international travel all competing for his time, the decision remains unresolved. Until an official announcement is made, speculation about the Argentine’s presence at the ceremony is likely to continue.
