2026 Ballon d'Or: Messi could snub event as Kane, Yamal emerge favourites

Argentina football legend, Lionel Messi, might not attend the 2026 Ballon d'Or ceremony next Monday.

According to Sport, Messi has not decided if he will fly to London, UK for this year's event.

On Thursday, the 39-year-old picked up the 2026 Princess of Asturias Award for Sports at a ceremony in Oviedo, Spain.

However, he could be flying back to America, where he plays his club football with Inter Miami.

Messi has won the Ballon d'Or a record eight times.

But he is not expected to add a ninth this year, with the duo of Harry Kane and Lamine Yamal leading the race.

According to bookmakers, one of the two players will win the Ballon d'Or prize for the first time in their career.