As football's elite gathered in London for the 70th Ballon d'Or ceremony, one icon was notably missing. Despite a record 17th nomination, eight-time winner Lionel Messi was not there. So, what was the reason for his absence?
A Packed Schedule and Club Priorities
The primary reason for Messi's
decision to skip the London ceremony was a demanding schedule centered around his club, Inter Miami. The team had an important MLS match against FC Cincinnati just two days after the event, on October 28. A transatlantic flight from the US to London and back would have left the 39-year-old superstar with virtually no time for recovery or preparation. This decision highlights a clear prioritisation of his club commitments over attending an awards show where he was not a frontrunner to win.
Exhausting Travel and Other Commitments
Messi’s decision was compounded by an already exhausting travel itinerary. In the days leading up to the Ballon d'Or, he had travelled to Spain to receive the prestigious Princess of Asturias Award for Sports. Immediately after, he flew back to the United States for an Inter Miami match against the New York Red Bulls. Adding another long-haul flight to London was reportedly deemed impractical. Furthermore, Messi was also involved with hosting the Messi Cup, an international under-16 youth tournament taking place in South Florida. He was spotted attending matches for the tournament that bears his name, choosing to invest his time in the next generation.
His Standing in the 2026 Awards
While Messi's nomination was a significant achievement, marking his return to the shortlist after a two-year absence, he was not considered a leading contender for the top prize. His performances at the 2026 World Cup, where he led Argentina to the final with eight goals, were instrumental in his nomination. However, the award ultimately went to Bayern Munich's Harry Kane, who had a phenomenal goal-scoring season. Messi secured a respectable fifth place in the final rankings, an impressive feat for an MLS-based player. Kylian Mbappé and Lamine Yamal finished second and third, respectively. With no realistic chance of winning a ninth trophy, the gruelling trip likely seemed less essential.
A Shift in Legacy
For a player who has won the award a record eight times, attending every ceremony is no longer a necessity. His absence can be seen as a symbolic passing of the torch to a new generation of stars like Kane, Mbappé, and Yamal. There had been some speculation that Messi might attend to present an award, but these rumours were never officially confirmed. Ultimately, his non-attendance doesn't tarnish his unparalleled legacy; instead, it signals a shift in focus. At 39, his priorities have naturally evolved towards his club duties, personal projects like his youth tournament, and managing his physical condition for key fixtures, including a potential final World Cup appearance.
