Lionel Messi has secured a spot in the FIFPro World XI for a record-extending 18th time following his performances for Argentina. The 39-year-old Inter Miami player returned to the prestigious lineup after missing out in 2024 and 2025.
World Cup Run and Team Selection
Messi captained Argentina to the World Cup final during the summer, where the defending champions were defeated by Spain in extra-time. His inclusion marks a continuation of an impressive record, having been named in the side every year since 2007 except for 2024 and 2025.
The Argentine forward joins a heavily offensive lineup that features Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland, and Lamine Yamal. Notably, the selection omitted the 2026 Ballon d’Or winner Harry Kane. The midfield features Jude Bellingham, Vitinha, and Spain’s World Cup-winning captain Rodri.
Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya guards the net behind a defensive trio consisting of Achraf Hakimi, Nuno Mendes, and Pau Cubarsí, who also claimed the 2026 Golden Boy award.
Voting Process and Breakdown
The FIFPro World XI is determined by roughly 25,000 professional footballers worldwide, who each select their top three players across the goalkeeper, defense, midfield, and attack positions. Voting for the men’s XI covered performances from August 4, 2025, to July 19, 2026, encompassing both the 2025/26 league campaigns and the World Cup.
Raya dominated the goalkeeping category with 51.9% of the votes after helping Arsenal secure the Premier League title. In defense, Hakimi led with 40.9%, followed by Cubarsi at 26.8% and Mendes at 25.5%, narrowly edging out Arsenal defenders Gabriel and William Saliba.
Rodri topped the midfield voting with 33.4%, ahead of Bellingham at 31.3% and Vitinha at 28.2%. In the forward line, Mbappe captured 46% of the votes, Yamal received 37.4%, Messi secured 29.5%, and Haaland took 28.4%. Kane finished fifth among forwards with 27.6%, missing out on the final XI.
The complete FIFPro World XI consists of David Raya, Achraf Hakimi, Pau Cubarsí, Nuno Mendes, Rodri, Vitinha, Jude Bellingham, Lionel Messi, Lamine Yamal, Erling Haaland, and Kylian Mbappe.
