Messi to take on big responsibility at 2026 Ballon d'Or, reports suggest

Lionel Messi is expected to attend the 2026 Ballon d'Or ceremony in London on October 26, and the Argentina captain has reportedly been assigned a major role at the event.

According to reporter Juan Jesus, Leo Messi will be present at the ceremony on October 26.

Although he remains one of the favourites to win the trophy, the report points to another significant responsibility for him. He will reportedly present the prestigious award in person to this edition's new winner on stage.

His expected appearance comes as he returns to the shortlist after missing out on nominations in the previous two editions. The Inter Miami forward is one of 30 candidates for the award, which he has won a record eight times.

At 39, Messi has a strong case for another title after an impressive campaign with both club and country. He helped Argentina reach the 2026 World Cup final, scoring eight goals in the tournament, while continuing to perform for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer (MLS).

The ceremony will be held at the London Palladium, the first time the Ballon d'Or has been staged in the British capital. The event will also present several other individual honours, including the Kopa Trophy for the best young player and the Yashin Trophy for the best goalkeeper.

Messi's reported presence would add further significance to the occasion, particularly if he is asked to present the trophy to the next winner. However, his attendance and role in the presentation have yet to be independently confirmed.

The Argentine last won the Ballon d'Or in 2023, following his decisive role in Argentina's 2022 World Cup triumph in Qatar.