Lionel Messi has further cemented his legacy by securing an 18th selection in the Fifpro Men’s World XI. The Argentine superstar returns to the elite lineup after missing out since 2023, following a year that saw him lead his national team to the World Cup final last August before stepping away from international football at age 39. He currently plays club football for Inter Miami.
Voted on by professional footballers from 73 countries, the 2026 squad features several notable inclusions while leaving out Ballon d’Or winner Harry Kane. Meanwhile, 19-year-old Lamine Yamal of Barcelona made history as the first player under 20 to earn consecutive selections in the Fifpro World XI. Spain’s World Cup-winning contingent is also represented by Rodri, Pau Cubarsi, and David Raya.
Squad Lineup
- Goalkeeper: David Raya (Arsenal, Spain)
- Defenders: Pau Cubarsi (Barcelona, Spain), Achraf Hakimi (PSG, Morocco), Nuno Mendes (PSG, Portugal)
- Midfielders: Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid, England), Rodri (Manchester City/Barcelona, Spain), Vitinha (PSG, Portugal)
- Forwards: Erling Haaland (Manchester City, Norway), Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid, France), Lionel Messi (Inter Miami, Argentina), Lamine Yamal (Barcelona, Spain)
