Messi makes record 18th FIFPro World XI, moves three clear of Ronaldo

Lionel Messi has been named in the FIFPro Men's World 11 for 2026, his 18th selection, according to Legit.ng. That puts him three clear of Cristiano Ronaldo, who was not picked this year and stays on 15 appearances.

The Inter Miami forward is back on the list for the first time since 2023. Legit.ng described the selection as fresh evidence of the respect he commands among fellow professionals.

How the vote works

FIFPro has run the award since 2005, and it is described as the only global football honour decided entirely by active players. This year, 26,317 professionals across 75 countries voted. Messi's latest place is said to make him the most recognised player in the two-decade history of the award.

Yamal makes history too

Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal became the first player to be chosen for two World 11 teams before turning 20. He was also in last year's side.

The full line-up

Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya is in goal. The defence has Barcelona's Pau Cubarsi with Paris Saint-Germain duo Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes. Midfield is Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham, Manchester City's Rodri and PSG's Vitinha, with Rodri's inclusion called notable because injury sidelined him for much of last season.

In attack are Manchester City's Erling Haaland, Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe, Messi and Yamal. Clubs from England, France, Spain and the United States are all represented, with Messi the only player from Major League Soccer.

Spain extended its lead as the nation with the most selections ever. Raya, Cubarsi and Rodri took its men's total to 53 across all editions, going by FIFPro's website as cited by Legit.ng.

Messi versus Ronaldo

The gap between the two in FIFPro selections has widened over recent years, and three is now the biggest lead Messi has held. Their rivalry has fed debate about the world's best player for nearly two decades. Both are in the late stage of their careers, but Messi is still adding to his tally while Ronaldo's has stalled, according to the report.

In an earlier report on their 2026 wealth, Legit.ng estimated Ronaldo's fortune at about $100 million above Messi's, helped by a reported $200 million-a-year Al-Nassr deal. Messi reportedly earns slightly more from commercial activities.