Football legend Lionel Messi is reportedly set to present the 2026 Ballon d’Or trophy to the winner at the prestigious awards ceremony scheduled to take place in London on October 26.
According to media reports, the Argentine superstar is expected to attend the ceremony at the London Palladium and personally hand over football’s most prestigious individual award to this year’s winner. However, his reported role has not yet been officially confirmed.
The development has attracted attention because Messi is also among the 30 nominees competing for the 2026 men’s Ballon d’Or. The Inter Miami captain has won the award a record eight times, with his most recent victory coming in 2023.
If Messi presents the trophy to another player while remaining a contender himself, the moment could create an unusual and memorable scene at the ceremony. Football fans have already discussed the possibility, particularly the prospect of Messi handing the award to another leading candidate, such as Barcelona youngster Lamine Yamal.
The 2026 ceremony will mark the first time the Ballon d’Or awards are held in London. The event also celebrates the 70th anniversary of the prestigious prize, which was first awarded in 1956 to English footballer Stanley Matthews.
The Ballon d’Or recognises outstanding individual performances in football, with winners selected through a voting process involving specialist journalists. Messi’s reported involvement would add further star power to an event expected to attract global attention.
Fans will now await official confirmation of Messi’s role as the ceremony approaches.
