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Lionel Messi Named AIPS Best Player of the 2026 FIFA World Cup

2026-07-24

Lionel Messi Named AIPS Best Player of the 2026 FIFA World Cup

The International Sports Press Association (AIPS) has named Lionel Messi the Best Player of the 2026 FIFA World Cup following a global vote by 472 journalists from 121 countries.

The 39-year-old Argentina captain collected 1,179 points, comfortably ahead of Kylian Mbappé (717) and Jude Bellingham (470).

Messi makes more World Cup history

Playing in a record-equalling sixth World Cup, Messi once again inspired Argentina to the final, although the defending champions were beaten by Spain.

Across eight matches, Messi produced eight goals and four assists, while extending several all-time World Cup records, including:

  • Most World Cup appearances (34)
  • Most World Cup wins (23)
  • Most knockout-stage appearances (17)
  • Most World Cup assists (12)
  • Goals in nine consecutive World Cup matches

He also remains the only player to score in the World Cup as a teenager, in his 20s, and in his 30s, and is the only player to have won the World Cup Golden Ball twice.

After the final defeat, Messi admitted on social media that the loss was painful but said he would cherish the unforgettable moments Argentina created throughout the tournament.

Mbappé and Bellingham complete the podium

Kylian Mbappé finished second after another remarkable tournament. The France captain scored 10 goals, retained the Golden Boot, and became the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history with 22 career goals, surpassing Miroslav Klose's previous record.

Jude Bellingham placed third after leading England to a third-place finish. The midfielder scored seven goals, setting both England's single-World Cup scoring record and the highest scoring total ever by a midfielder at one World Cup. He also became the first player since Diego Maradona in 1986 to score twice in consecutive World Cup knockout matches.

AIPS Best Player Voting: Top 10

  1. Lionel Messi (Argentina) — 1,179 points
  2. Kylian Mbappé (France) — 717
  3. Jude Bellingham (England) — 470
  4. Erling Haaland (Norway) — 460
  5. Lamine Yamal (Spain) — 304
  6. Rodri (Spain) — 285
  7. Vozinha (Cape Verde) — 189
  8. Harry Kane (England) — 130
  9. Mikel Oyarzabal (Spain) — 118
  10. Michael Olise (France) — 91

AIPS said the worldwide vote reflects the collective assessment of international sports media after the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

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