Why did Messi skip Ballon d'Or ceremony?

Eight-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi skipped the 2026 ceremony in London despite earning his 17th nomination. The Argentine instead attended the Messi Cup, an under-16 football tournament in Miami. Messi's packed schedule reportedly influenced his decision, with his team Inter Miami having played New York Red Bulls on October 24 and set to face FC Cincinnati on October 28.