Lionel Messi has been named the AIPS Outstanding Player of the FIFA World Cup 2026 after topping a global poll organised by the International Sports Press Association (AIPS).
The Argentina captain secured 1,179 points in the worldwide vote conducted among 472 sports journalists from 121 countries, comfortably finishing ahead of France’s Kylian Mbappé, who amassed 717 points, while England midfielder Jude Bellingham placed third with 470 points.
The award caps another remarkable World Cup campaign for the 39-year-old, who inspired Argentina to a second successive World Cup final before they were narrowly beaten 1-0 by Spain after extra time in Sunday’s showpiece.
Despite falling just short of retaining the title won in Qatar in 2022, Messi once again underlined his enduring brilliance on football’s biggest stage.
Another Masterclass from Messi
Competing in a record sixth FIFA World Cup, Messi was the driving force behind Lionel Scaloni’s side throughout the tournament.
The Argentine icon finished with eight goals and four assists in eight matches, playing a decisive role as La Albiceleste repeatedly overcame adversity to reach the final.
His performances further enhanced an already unparalleled World Cup legacy.
Messi ended the tournament with 21 career World Cup goals, the second-highest tally in the competition’s history, while extending his record for the most World Cup assists (12).
He also strengthened several other remarkable records, including the most World Cup appearances (34), most World Cup victories (23) and most knockout matches played (17).
In addition, he became the first player to score in nine consecutive World Cup matches and remains the only footballer to have found the net at World Cups in his teens, twenties and thirties.
Although he was unable to lift a second consecutive World Cup trophy, Messi received the tournament’s Silver Ball, adding to a glittering résumé that already includes two FIFA World Cup Golden Ball awards.
Following Argentina’s heartbreaking defeat, an emotional Messi reflected on the loss in a post on Instagram.
“The pain is immense; it will take time for this wound to heal,” he wrote. “But I choose to hold on to all the good things, the matches we turned around by giving everything and the moments that will remain in our memories forever.”
Mbappé Makes More History
Second-placed Mbappé enjoyed another outstanding World Cup despite France narrowly missing out on the medals.
The 27-year-old scored 10 goals, taking his overall World Cup tally to a record 22 goals across three tournaments, surpassing every player in the competition’s history.
His two goals in France’s dramatic 6-4 defeat to England in the third-place play-off secured a second successive Golden Boot, making him the first player ever to win the tournament’s top scorer award twice.
France ultimately finished fourth after reaching a third consecutive World Cup semi-final.
Bellingham Shines for England
England star Jude Bellingham completed the podium after a sensational tournament that confirmed his status among the world’s finest midfielders.
The 23-year-old scored seven goals, helping England secure third place while setting a new record for the most goals scored by an English player in a single World Cup.
Bellingham also became the first player since Diego Maradona in 1986 to score braces in consecutive knockout matches, achieving the feat against Mexico in the Round of 16 and Norway in the quarter-finals.
Global Vote
The AIPS poll was conducted among accredited AIPS members and journalists participating in the organisation’s World Cup Hotline, providing a broad and representative assessment of the tournament’s standout performers.
Each voter selected three players, awarding five points to their first choice, three points to their second and one point to their third.
A shortlist of 20 players was announced on 13 July before voting concluded.
Top 10 AIPS Outstanding Player Rankings
- Lionel Messi (Argentina) – 1,179 points
- Kylian Mbappé (France) – 717 points
- Jude Bellingham (England) – 470 points
- Erling Haaland (Norway) – 460 points
- Lamine Yamal (Spain) – 304 points
- Rodri (Spain) – 285 points
- Vozinha (Cape Verde) – 189 points
- Harry Kane (England) – 130 points
- Mikel Oyarzabal (Spain) – 118 points
- Michael Olise (France) – 91 points
Journalists from 121 countries across six continents took part in the vote, underlining the global recognition of Messi’s extraordinary performances.
Although Spain lifted the World Cup trophy, it was Messi who once again captured the imagination of football fans and journalists alike, adding another prestigious accolade to an unparalleled international career and reinforcing his status as one of the greatest players the game has ever produced.
We’ve got the edge. Get real-time reports, breaking scoops, and exclusive angles delivered straight to your phone. Don’t settle for stale news. Join LEADERSHIP NEWS on WhatsApp for 24/7 updates →
