Lionel Messi waves after receiving the Princess of Asturias Award for Sports during a ceremony in Oviedo. (Credit: AP)
\n\nLegendary player Lionel Messi’s absence from the 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony in London raised eyebrows as the Argentine superstar received a record 17th nomination for football's most coveted individual honour. However, the eight-time champion decided to stay in the US and went to the Messi Cup, an under-16 football competition run by his company. His choice was also made in the midst of a hectic schedule for Inter Miami, who are getting ready for an MLS match on October 28 against FC Cincinnati. Before going back to club duty, Messi had recently travelled to Spain to accept the Princess of Asturias Award for Sports.
\n\nInter Miami team played the New York Red Bulls on October 24, and on October 28, they are scheduled to play Cincinnati in another Major League Soccer game. He would have been left with almost no time to recover between these important games if he travelled. Messi had also just returned to the United States after visiting Spain to accept the Princess of Asturias Award for Sports 2026.
\n\nMessi was also unable to attend the ceremony because…
Original source: https://www.timesnownews.com/sports
