Uncertainty Surrounds Messi’s Attendance at the Ballon d’Or Ceremony

Lionel Messi has once again become a subject of discussion ahead of the Ballon d’Or ceremony. Although he is among the 30 nominees for the prestigious award—to be presented at a glittering event at the London Palladium—there remains uncertainty regarding whether the Argentine superstar will actually attend.

While there has been speculation about his potential presence, one thing is certain: Messi will not be tasked with presenting the trophy to any of the winners. Sports journalist Fabrizio Romano reported on October 13 that Messi had not been invited to perform any such role, and his attendance at the event was never confirmed. Since then, neither Messi nor the organizers have issued any further updates on the matter.

Previously, the Spanish outlet *Mundo Deportivo* reported that the organizers were awaiting Messi’s arrival. However, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is expected to make a final decision on traveling to London only after his commitments with Inter Miami are concluded.

On Saturday, Inter Miami faced the New York Red Bulls at the Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, New Jersey. Miami lost the match 2-0, with Messi entering the pitch as a substitute in the 56th minute. This defeat brought an end to the team’s three-match winning streak. Prior to this, Messi had returned to the United States on Friday following his trip to Oviedo, Spain, where he received the Princess of Asturias Award for Sports.

Back in Miami, Messi is currently occupied with the second edition of the ‘Messi Cup,’ a tournament he established. The Under-16 competition, which began on Sunday, features 16 academy teams and will run until November 1. Furthermore, Inter Miami has a crucial match against FC Cincinnati scheduled for Wednesday night. Given these commitments, undertaking the long journey to London by Monday could prove quite challenging for him.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid is preparing to attend the Ballon d’Or ceremony, marking their return to the event after a two-year absence. According to a report by the French media outlet *L'Équipe*, the club's decision is linked to the prospects of Kylian Mbappé winning the award.

Meanwhile, analysts are not particularly optimistic about Lionel Messi’s chances of securing a ninth Ballon d'Or. Even at the age of 39, the Argentine star has delivered outstanding performances. Throughout the tournament—leading up to Argentina's defeat in the final—he recorded eight goals and four assists. Furthermore, he scored 43 goals in club football and played a pivotal role in helping Inter Miami win their first-ever MLS Cup.

Although he received a Ballon d'Or nomination after a long hiatus, it is widely believed that Messi’s chances of winning the award for a ninth time are extremely slim. Nevertheless, speculation regarding his potential attendance at the ceremony continues right up to the last moment.