Lionel Messi to collect 2024 Ballon d’Or in Spain before Inter Miami MLS match

Background: Messi’s award and his MLS adventure

Lionel Messi, the Argentine maestro who has dominated European football for more than a decade, is set to travel to Spain next week to accept the 2024 Ballon d'Or, the sport’s most coveted individual honour. The ceremony, organised by France Football, will be held in Paris‑based Paris Saint‑Germain’s home city, but the award will be presented on Spanish soil as part of a gala in Madrid that celebrates the player’s ties to the country where he spent most of his club career.

Messi’s move to Inter Miami in 2023 marked the biggest star signing in Major League Soccer’s (MLS) history, instantly boosting the league’s global profile. Since his arrival, the club’s attendance figures have surged, merchandise sales have spiked, and television ratings have climbed across the United States and Latin America. The upcoming award ceremony adds another media moment that will keep the Argentine’s name in headlines just days before he steps onto the pitch in Florida.

Inter Miami’s head coach, former Argentine international Cristian "Kily" González, confirmed to local reporters that Messi will return to the United States within 48 hours of receiving the trophy. González said the short turnaround is feasible because the award ceremony is scheduled for a Friday evening, allowing Messi to fly back in time for the club’s next MLS fixture on Sunday.

Logistics: How the award fits into the MLS calendar

The MLS schedule this season is unusually tight, with clubs playing three games per week during the spring stretch. Inter Miami’s next match is against Nashville SC on Sunday, a game that will be televised nationally on ESPN and streamed on the league’s Apple TV+ platform. According to ESPN, the match is expected to draw a peak audience of more than 1.5 million viewers in the United States, a figure that could be amplified by Messi’s fresh media buzz.

Sources close to the club say Messi’s travel itinerary has been meticulously planned to minimise jet lag. He will depart Miami on a private jet on Friday night, land in Madrid for the ceremony, and then board a direct flight back to Miami early Saturday morning. The club’s medical staff have prepared a recovery protocol that includes light training on Saturday and a full‑strength session on Sunday, ensuring the Argentine is match‑fit.

Fans in Miami have already begun organising watch parties for the award ceremony, with local Argentine restaurants offering special menus. Social media trends show the hashtag #MessiAward trending in both the U.S. and Spain, indicating a cross‑continental fan engagement that could translate into higher ticket sales for the Sunday game.

Why it matters for MLS and U.S. soccer growth

Messi’s presence in MLS is more than a marketing gimmick; it serves as a catalyst for the league’s long‑term strategic goals. The league’s expansion plan, which includes adding ten new franchises by 2030, relies heavily on attracting global talent that can draw television contracts and sponsorships. The Ballon d’Or spotlight reinforces the narrative that MLS can host world‑class players without compromising competitive standards.

According to a recent MLS report, the league’s commercial revenue grew by 22 % in the 2023‑24 season, a surge attributed largely to Messi‑related merchandise and broadcast deals. Brands such as Adidas, Apple, and Bud Light have secured multi‑year partnerships that reference Messi’s name in their advertising, creating a ripple effect that benefits smaller clubs across the league.

The timing of the award also dovetails with MLS’s push to increase its footprint in Latin America. By aligning Messi’s personal accolades with club fixtures, MLS can leverage his popularity to negotiate better distribution deals with broadcasters in Mexico, Colombia, and Brazil. This strategy could open doors for African‑American and Caribbean audiences who follow Messi’s career through Spanish‑language media.

African angle: Opportunities for African players and diaspora fans

The heightened global attention on MLS creates a fertile environment for African talent looking for a springboard to Europe or a stable professional platform. Historically, African stars such as Victor Wanyama, Kelechi Iheanacho, and Nii Lamptey have used MLS as a stepping‑stone, but the league’s growing prestige now offers a more attractive end‑point. Scouts from clubs in France, Belgium, and the Netherlands are already increasing their presence at MLS matches, hoping to spot the next African breakout.

Diaspora communities across the United States, especially in cities like New York, Atlanta, and Houston, are likely to tune in to both the award ceremony and the subsequent MLS match. According to a survey by the African Diaspora Sports Network, 68 % of African‑American soccer fans say they follow MLS primarily because of high‑profile signings like Messi. This surge in viewership could translate into higher advertising revenue for African‑focused brands looking to reach a broader audience.

Moreover, Messi’s award ceremony in Spain will be broadcast live on several African sports channels, including SuperSport and Canal+ Afrique. These networks have secured rights to MLS games as part of a broader package that includes European leagues. The dual exposure of a global award and a domestic MLS fixture could encourage African broadcasters to allocate more airtime to MLS, thereby increasing the league’s market share on the continent.

What’s next: The future of star power in MLS and its ripple effects

Messi’s rapid return to the pitch after collecting the Ballon d’Or sets a precedent for how MLS clubs might manage future star arrivals. If the Argentine can maintain performance levels despite a packed travel schedule, it will reassure other elite players—such as Erling Haaland or Kylian Mbappé—who may consider MLS moves later in their careers. Club owners are already negotiating clauses that allow for flexible international travel without compromising squad depth.

The upcoming match against Nashville SC will serve as a litmus test for Messi’s fitness and the club’s ability to integrate his influence into a cohesive team strategy. Early post‑match analysis from The Athletic suggests that Inter Miami’s midfield will need to adapt to Messi’s reduced training load, relying on younger players like defender Santiago “Santi” Roldán to fill gaps.

In the broader context, the convergence of a major individual award and a regular‑season MLS game illustrates how football’s calendar is becoming increasingly globalised. Fans in Lagos, Nairobi, and Accra will be able to watch Messi’s award ceremony and his MLS performance within the same weekend, blurring the lines between European and North American football ecosystems. This interconnectedness could accelerate the emergence of a truly trans‑continental football market, where African viewers are key participants.

Quick Answers

When will Lionel Messi receive the 2024 Ballon d'Or?
Messi is scheduled to collect the 2024 Ballon d'Or at a ceremony in Madrid on Friday, October 25, 2026.

Will Messi play for Inter Miami after the award ceremony?
Yes, Inter Miami coach Cristian González confirmed Messi will be back in Miami in time for the MLS match against Nashville SC on Sunday, October 27.

How does Messi’s award affect African football fans?
The award and subsequent MLS game will be broadcast on African sports networks, increasing visibility for MLS and potentially boosting scouting opportunities for African players.

Source: www.espn.com