Lionel Messi has stretched his lead over Cristiano Ronaldo in one of football's long-running comparisons. The Argentine has been named in the 2026 FIFPRO Men's World 11 for a record 18th time, according to Pulse Nigeria.
The Inter Miami forward is back in the team for the first time since 2023. That puts him three selections ahead of Ronaldo, who did not make this year's team and remains on 15 appearances.
How the vote worked
The Men's and Women's World 11 were revealed after a vote by 26,317 professional footballers across 75 countries. FIFPRO has asked players around the world to vote since 2005, and the report describes it as the only global football award chosen only by players.
Yamal makes history
Barcelona youngster Lamine Yamal also set a record. He is the first player to be picked twice before turning 20, having been in last year's team as well.
The full line-up
Arsenal's David Raya is the goalkeeper. The back line is made up of Barcelona's Pau Cubarsi and Paris Saint-Germain pair Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes. In midfield are Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham, Manchester City's Rodri and PSG's Vitinha.
Up front are Manchester City's Erling Haaland, Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe, Messi and Yamal.
Spain is the best-represented country, with Raya, Cubarsi and Rodri among this year's picks. Their inclusion lifts Spain's total Men's World 11 appearances to 53.
For Nigerian fans who have argued over Messi and Ronaldo for years, the latest selection adds another number to the debate, and the report says it further separates the two in the award's historical records.
