After visiting Spain: will Messi watch the Clasico from the Camp Nou?
And what about the Ballon d'Or ceremony?
Lionel Messi is plotting a swift return to the United States after a flying visit to Spain, where the Inter Miami captain collected the Princess of Asturias Award for Sport for 2026. Attention now turns to whether he will show up at Monday's Ballon d'Or ceremony.
The Argentine touched down in Oviedo to receive the honour for his sporting career and social impact. He met children and teenagers at the Sports Palace and dined with the King and Queen of Spain before readying his departure back to his club.
Messi prepares to return to Inter Miami
A swift return to the United States beckons, with Inter Miami facing New York Red Bulls tomorrow, Saturday. It's a big one. His side sit second in the Eastern group and want to keep their campaign alive through the decisive stage of the season.
Inter Miami coach Kelly Gonzalez has hailed Messi's commitment, insisting the player wants to be with his teammates and feature in matches off his own back.
"We have to feel proud because, of his own free will, he wants to be here and play," Gonzalez said.
Will Messi miss the Barcelona and Real Madrid Clasico?
With Messi heading back to honour Inter Miami's fixtures, his chances of catching Sunday's Clasico between Barcelona and Real Madrid look slim. The game falls just a day after his side's meeting with New York Red Bulls.
Nobody has confirmed any intention from the Argentine star to linger in Spain for the eagerly awaited summit. His commitments with his American club make a rapid return to the United States the likeliest outcome.
And what about the Ballon d'Or ceremony?
Messi's position on the Ballon d'Or ceremony, set for Monday 26 October, remains up in the air despite a nomination for the 17th time in his career.
Spain's Lamine Yamal leads the pack of frontrunners, joined by England's Harry Kane and France's Kylian Mbappe on the back of their form for their clubs.
Eight wins. That's the record Messi holds for the award. Whether he turns up or settles for watching the results from afar has yet to be announced, not least given his sporting commitments in the United States.
