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Messi to Present 2026 Ballon d'Or in London, Strong Signal for Lamine Yamal

According to journalist Juan Jesus, Lionel Messi will personally present the Ballon d'Or at the ceremony on October 26 in London. A role that fuels speculation around Lamine Yamal as the favourite.

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Messi to Present 2026 Ballon d'Or in London, Strong Signal for Lamine Yamal
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Lionel Messi will personally present the Ballon d’Or to the next winner at the ceremony held on October 26 in London. This is what journalist Juan Jesus reveals on X, specifying that the Argentine’s presence is not purely symbolic: he will be on stage to hand the trophy to the winner of this 2026 edition.

The news immediately fuels speculation about the identity of Ousmane Dembélé’s successor on the honours list. For many observers, the choice of Messi as presenter constitutes a significant clue in favour of Lamine Yamal. A Barcelona legend reconverted to Inter Miami, the eight-time winner would thus pass the torch to the one that supporters and specialists describe as his heir in the blaugrana shirt.

The list of contenders remains open nonetheless. Ousmane Dembélé, French champion and UEFA Champions League winner with PSG, is among the declared favourites. Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappé, Rodri, Michael Olise, Fabian Ruiz and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia are also cited among the serious candidates for the trophy awarded by France Football.

Messi himself could have aspired to a ninth title had he led Argentina to victory at the 2026 World Cup, but a final defeat closed that door. At 39 years old, the Argentine should settle for a place in the top 10 of the final ranking — before, therefore, taking to the stage in a completely different role.

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