Brief

Messi to Present 2026 Ballon d’Or Trophy

The Argentine captain is expected to appear at the London Palladium ceremony and present the trophy to the next winner.

By Felo News Desk · Published Tue, 13 Oct 2026 10:58:24 GMT

Dubai – Lionel Messi is expected to attend the 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony in London on October 26, Gulf News reported. The Argentina captain, who returned to the shortlist after missing the previous two editions, is said to have been given the responsibility of personally handing the trophy to the winner on stage.

The ceremony will be held at the London Palladium, marking the first time the event is staged in the British capital. Messi, 39, is among 30 candidates and has a strong case after scoring eight goals in the 2026 World Cup and delivering for Inter Miami in MLS. His last Ballon d’Or win was in 2023.

Key facts

• Messi is expected to attend the 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony in London on Oct. 26. (gulfnews.com)
• He is reported to be tasked with presenting the trophy to the winner on stage. (gulfnews.com)
• The ceremony will take place at the London Palladium, the first time in that city. (gulfnews.com)
• Messi is one of 30 candidates and has scored eight goals in the 2026 World Cup. (gulfnews.com)

Sources

• [1] gulfnews.com — originally reported as “Lionel Messi to Present 2026 Ballon d'Or Trophy in London: Report”