Lionel Messi given big responsibility for 2026 Ballon d'Or, report says
Dubai: Lionel Messi is expected to attend the 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony in London on October 26, with the Argentina captain reportedly given big duty for the event. According to reporter Juan Jesus, Leo Messi will be at the Ballon d’Or ceremony on October 26. While he remains one of the favourites to win the trophy, the report suggested another major duty for Messi. He will reportedly be the one…
Lionel Messi is set to attend the 2026 Ballon d'Or ceremony in London on October 26, according to a report. The Argentina captain is reportedly tasked with a significant responsibility at the event. Leo Messi will likely be the one to personally pass the prestigious award to the new winner on stage. This comes as Messi returns to the shortlist after being overlooked in the previous two editions.
The 39-year-old, who has won the trophy a record eight times, has a strong case for another title. Messi's impressive performances for both his club, Inter Miami, and his country, Argentina, have made him a strong contender. The Ballon d'Or ceremony will be held at the London Palladium, marking the first time the award ceremony has taken place in the British capital.
Other individual honors at the event include the Kopa Trophy for the best young player and the Yashin Trophy for the best goalkeeper. Messi's potential role in presenting the trophy to the next winner would add further significance to the ceremony. However, his attendance and role in the presentation have not been independently confirmed.
Messi last won the Ballon d'Or in 2023, following Argentina's victory in the 2022 World Cup held in Qatar.
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