Messi has won the Ballon d’Or eight times, more than any other player. His presence has shaped the award’s modern history, from his rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo to his defining role in Argentina’s 2022 World Cup triumph.
A return to the shortlist after missing the previous two editions would already be a significant storyline. The report says Messi is back among the 30 nominees after another productive period for club and country.
The dual role would create a clear contrast between football’s established era and its emerging stars. Messi presenting the trophy could turn the ceremony into a symbolic handover, particularly if the winner is one of the younger contenders reportedly included on the shortlist.
Yet his own nomination would prevent the night from becoming a simple celebration of succession. If Messi remains in contention, the vote would still ask whether his latest body of work compares with the strongest seasons produced by the next generation.
That tension is what makes the reported plan compelling. Messi would not merely be a former winner returning to the stage; he could be directly involved in deciding how the award’s next chapter begins.
The key developments now are official confirmation of Messi’s role and the final shortlist. If he does present the trophy on 26 October, the ceremony could become either a tribute to an unmatched career or another competitive chapter in Messi’s Ballon d’Or story.