Lionel Messi and his family will be present at this year's Ballon d'Or award ceremony, which is held for the first time ever in London, on October 26, 2026, at the London Palladium.
France Football and UEFA have decided to honor the first ever winner of the prize, Sir Stanley Matthews, by holding the 70th edition of the competition in England's capital.
Messi has made the 30-player shortlist after a remarkable season for both Inter Miami and Argentina, ensuring that all eyes will be on the 39-year-old throughout the proceedings.
Elevating an historic night in London
Any Gala that sees Messi's presence will draw more attention than ever before. That said, even with emerging superstars such as Kylian Mbappe and Lamine Yamal in the running for the prize, the fact that the eight-time winner will be present adds a layer of prestige to a competition that has seen its fair share of controversy in recent years.
For France Football, securing the Argentinian forward's presence and that of his family is a guarantee that the outside world will witness what is set to be a truly special event.
Messi's inclusion elevates the proceedings to an entirely new level, showing that the Ballon d'Or really does embody the very best of the beautiful game. It also serves as a fitting tribute to Matthews, who was a true pioneer in an era when the sport was only just beginning to gain traction across Europe.
The significance of his presence for the prize and his legacy
In addition to simply being a massive draw, Messi attending the Gala with his family shows that he holds the honor of receiving the Ballon d'Or in high esteem.
Whether or not he manages to add to his tally of individual awards, his presence will undoubtedly go some way to restoring his reputation after a difficult year. Not only that, but it will serve as an incredibly poignant reminder that no matter how many young stars rise up through the ranks, there is no one quite like Lionel Messi.
Add us as a preferred source on Google