Argentine football star Lionel Messi is reportedly set to miss the 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony in London due to his demanding schedule with Major League Soccer club Inter Miami. According to Spanish newspaper Marca, the 39-year-old has decided against another trip to Europe, prioritizing Inter Miami’s upcoming league fixture against FC Cincinnati on Wednesday. The ceremony, marking its 70th anniversary, will take place at the London Palladium Theatre on Monday evening. Messi recently traveled to Spain for the Princess of Asturias Award and played in an MLS match against the New York Red Bulls before attending the Messi Cup. His absence, though not officially confirmed, is widely expected. Messi is among the 30 nominees, including Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappe, Lamine Yamal, Erling Haaland, and Achraf Hakimi, for the award he has won a record eight times.