2026 Ballon d’Or: Romano Dismisses Reports of Messi Presenting Award to Winner
Football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has dismissed reports that Argentina captain Lionel Messi will present the 2026 Ballon d’Or award to the eventual winner.
Romano clarified that the Inter Miami forward had not received an invitation to perform the role at the awards ceremony scheduled for October 26 in London, England.
“Lionel Messi will not be presenting any award to the Ballon d’Or winners, because he has not received an invitation to do so,” Romano said.
The clarification followed reports circulating online that the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner would attend the ceremony and personally hand the trophy to this year’s recipient.
Romano also indicated that Messi’s attendance at the event had not been confirmed.
The 2026 ceremony will take place at the London Palladium as the prestigious football award celebrates its 70th anniversary.
Messi, who last won the award in 2023, is among the nominees for the 2026 edition. The Argentine remains the most decorated player in the award’s history, having won it eight times.
