While rumours regarding his potential appearance circulate, one detail is already confirmed: Messi will not be presenting an award to any winner this year. Football journalist Fabrizio Romano reported on 13 October that organisers had not invited the eight-time winner to fulfill such a role, nor had his physical attendance been confirmed. Neither Messi’s representatives nor the event organisers have issued an official update since.

Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo previously suggested that organisers were holding out hope for Messi’s arrival in London. However, the decision rested heavily on his demanding schedule with Inter Miami, making a transatlantic trip remarkably tight.

Messi’s recent schedule has been relentless. On Friday, he was in Oviedo, Spain, to receive the Princess of Asturias Award for Sports before flying back to the United States. By Saturday, he was back in action for Inter Miami at the Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, New Jersey, coming off the bench in the 56th minute during a 2-0 defeat against the New York Red Bulls. The loss ended Inter Miami’s three-match winning streak.

Upon returning to Florida, Messi’s commitments have only multiplied. He is currently overseeing the second edition of the ‘Messi Cup’, an under-16 tournament featuring 16 youth academy teams, which runs until 1 November. Furthermore, Inter Miami face a crucial fixture against FC Cincinnati on Wednesday evening. Managing a long-haul flight to London and back amidst such a dense timetable poses significant logistical and physical challenges.

In contrast, Real Madrid are preparing to attend the ceremony following a two-year absence. According to French news outlet L’Équipe, the Spanish club decided to return due to strong expectations that Kylian Mbappé could claim the coveted individual honour.

Pundits view Messi’s chances of securing an unprecedented ninth Ballon d’Or as slim, despite an extraordinary year at age 39. Prior to Argentina’s defeat against Spain in the World Cup final, Messi registered eight goals and four assists during the tournament. On the domestic front, he scored 43 goals across all competitions while playing an instrumental role in guiding Inter Miami to their maiden MLS Cup title.

Although he earned a nomination after a brief absence, Messi is not expected to take home the top prize this time. Nevertheless, whether football’s most celebrated figure will make a last-minute appearance on London’s red carpet remains the subject of intense global anticipation.