Lionel Messi has returned to the FIFPRO Men’s World 11 for the first time since 2023, extending his all-time record to 18 appearances.
The 2026 FIFPRO Men’s World 11 was unveiled on Monday following votes from professional footballers worldwide, with Paris Saint-Germain dominating the selection after their Champions League triumph.
Messi, 39, was named in the team after a stellar year in which he posted an MLS-best 43 goal contributions for Inter Miami and led Argentina to the 2026 World Cup final before retiring from international football. His 18th selection extends a record he has held since surpassing Cristiano Ronaldo, who has 15 appearances and was left out of this year’s team.
The Argentine was previously selected to every FIFPRO Men’s World 11 from 2007 to 2023, the award’s longest-ever streak.
Lamine Yamal, who also featured in last year’s team, becomes the first player to earn two World 11 selections before turning 20.
The Barcelona winger joins fellow 2026 World Cup winners David Raya, Pau Cubarsi and Rodri in taking Spain’s record tally of Men’s World 11 appearances to 53.
Paris Saint-Germain had five players selected, reflecting their Champions League-winning campaign: goalkeeper David Raya, defenders Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes, and midfielders Vitinha and Rodri.
Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland completed the outfield selection, while Ballon d’Or winner Harry Kane was a notable absentee.
Full List
2026 FIFPRO Men’s World 11:
Goalkeeper: David Raya (Arsenal/Spain)
Defenders: Achraf Hakimi (PSG/Morocco), Pau Cubarsi (Barcelona/Spain), Nuno Mendes (PSG/Portugal)
Midfielders: Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid/England), Rodri (Manchester City/Spain), Vitinha (PSG/Portugal)
Forwards: Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid/France), Erling Haaland (Manchester City/Norway), Lionel Messi (Inter Miami/Argentina), Lamine Yamal (Barcelona/Spain)
The award remains the only global football honour decided exclusively by players, with more than 26,000 professionals from 75 countries casting votes.
