Lionel Messi has been named in the 2026 FIFPRO Men’s World XI for a record-extending 18th time, leading a formidable attack that also features Pau Cubarsí, Lamine Yamal and Erling Haaland, while Ballon d’Or winner Harry Kane and Cristiano Ronaldo were omitted.
The team, selected exclusively by 19,806 professional male footballers from 73 countries, was announced by FIFPRO on Monday. Players were judged on performances between August 2025 and July 2026.
Messi, who plays for Inter Miami and announced his international retirement after the World Cup, returns to the side for the first time since 2023.
The full line-up is:
Goalkeeper
David Raya (Arsenal/Spain)
Defenders
Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain/Morocco)
Pau Cubarsi (Barcelona/Spain)
Nuno Mendes (Paris Saint-Germain/Portugal)
Midfielders
Vitinha (Paris Saint-Germain/Portugal)
Rodri (Barcelona/Spain)
Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid/England)
Forwards
Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid/France)
Lionel Messi (Inter Miami/Argentina)
Lamine Yamal (Barcelona/Spain)
Erling Haaland (Manchester City/Norway)
World Cup winners Yamal and Rodri were included, with Spain contributing four players overall. Yamal became the first player to earn two World XI selections while still a teenager.
Kane, who won the 2026 Ballon d’Or, was among the 26 shortlisted players but did not make the final XI. Paris Saint-Germain supplied three players, the most of any club.
