Lionel Messi did not attend the 2026 Ballon d'Or ceremony in London and was instead in the United States for the Messi Cup. Inter Miami also had fixtures during the match week.
Ballon d'Or absence
Messi was among the 30 nominees for the 2026 Ballon d'Or. SI says he was a Ballon d'Or nominee for the 17th time in 2026. Messi has won the Ballon d'Or eight times.
GOAL says Messi was in the United States, attending the opening ceremony, as the Ballon d'Or ceremony took place. GOAL says the organisers never confirmed whether Messi would attend the ceremony.
Fabrizio Romano reported that Messi had not received an invitation to present any award on the night.
Messi Cup appearance
GOAL says Messi was attending the opening ceremony of the second edition of the Messi Cup, a tournament for players under 16 that he runs through his company 525 Rosario. SI says Messi was in Miami to watch U-16 teams compete in the Messi Cup.
Inter Miami schedule
Inter Miami had a match against FC Cincinnati. Messi featured in Inter Miami's match against the New York Red Bulls on Saturday. SI says Messi was on the field for Inter Miami on Saturday in a defeat to Red Bull New York.