Lionel Messi, the most successful player in the history Ballon d’Or awards, with eight titles, was not seen in attendance at the 2026 ceremony in London. The eight-time winner featured on the shortlist for the first time in three years. Lionel Messi’s absence from the 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony in London has raised questions as Kylian Mbappé, Harry Kane and Lamine Yamal await the results.