Lionel Messi is selected in team for 18th time in vote chosen by professional players from 73 countries

Lionel Messi returned to the Fifpro Men’s World XI for ‌a record-extending 18th selection on Monday, but Ballon d’Or winner Harry Kane was a surprise omission from ‌the team chosen by professional players from 73 countries.

Messi, who helped Argentina reach the World Cup final and continues to play club football for Inter Miami, was named in the World XI for the first time since 2023.

The 39-year-old was selected in a forward ​line alongside Manchester City’s Erling Haaland, Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappé and Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal.

Lamine (19) became the ⁠first player to earn two World XI selections before turning 20 after also ‌making ‌last ​year’s team. He was joined by fellow Spain World Cup winners Rodri, Pau Cubarsi and David Raya.

Kane’s absence was notable after ⁠a prolific 2025-26 season in which ​he helped Bayern Munich win the Bundesliga ​and captained England to the World Cup semi-finals.

England and Chelsea right-back Lucy Bronze ‌became the first woman to earn ​nine selections to the Fifpro Women’s World 11, while Zambia striker Barbra Banda was ⁠the only player from outside ⁠England and Spain ​included in the side chosen by women’s players from 64 countries.

The team also included Spain midfielders Aitana Bonmati and Alexia Putellas, who are the only players to have won the Ballon d’Or Feminin three times after Putellas claimed her third award in October.

2026 FIFPRO MEN’S WORLD XI

Goalkeeper: David Raya (Arsenal, Spain)

Defenders: Pau Cubarsi (Barcelona, Spain), Achraf Hakimi (Paris St Germain, Morocco), Nuno Mendes (Paris St Germain, Portugal)

Midfielders: ‌Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid/England), Rodri (Manchester ⁠City/Barcelona, Spain), Vitinha (Paris St Germain, Portugal)

Forwards: Erling Haaland (Manchester City, Norway), Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid, France), Lionel Messi (Inter Miami, Argentina), Lamine Yamal (Barcelona, Spain).

2026 FIFPRO WOMEN’S WORLD ‌XI

Goalkeeper: Hannah Hampton (Chelsea, England)

Defenders: Lucy Bronze (Chelsea, England), Alex Greenwood (Manchester City, England), Mapi Leon (Barcelona/London City Lionesses, Spain), Irene ​Paredes (Barcelona, Spain)

Midfielders: Aitana Bonmati (Barcelona, Spain), Alexia Putellas (Barcelona/London City Lionesses, Spain), ​Ella Toone (Manchester United, England)

Forwards: Barbra Banda (Orlando Pride, Zambia), Claudia Pina (Barcelona, Spain), Alessia Russo (Arsenal, England).