Messi's Reign Continues: Awarded AIPS Outstanding Player for World Cup 2026

Lionel Messi has been crowned the AIPS Outstanding Player of the FIFA World Cup 2026, topping a comprehensive global poll conducted by the International Sports Press Association (AIPS). The legendary Argentina captain garnered an impressive 1,179 points in a worldwide vote involving 472 sports journalists from 121 countries. He significantly outpaced France’s Kylian Mbappé, who secured 717 points, and England midfielder Jude Bellingham, who finished third with 470 points.

This accolade marks another remarkable World Cup campaign for the 39-year-old Messi, who spearheaded Argentina's charge to a second successive World Cup final. However, they were narrowly defeated 1-0 by Spain after extra time in Sunday’s showpiece event. Despite falling just short of retaining the title won in Qatar in 2022, Messi once again showcased his unparalleled brilliance on football’s grandest stage.

Competing in a record sixth FIFA World Cup, Messi was the undisputed driving force behind Lionel Scaloni’s squad throughout the tournament. The Argentine icon delivered an exceptional performance, finishing with eight goals and four assists across eight matches, playing a pivotal role as La Albiceleste navigated through challenges to reach the final. His extraordinary contributions further solidified an already unparalleled World Cup legacy.

Messi concluded the tournament with 21 career World Cup goals, placing him as the second-highest scorer in the competition's history. He also extended his record for the most World Cup assists to 12. Furthermore, he strengthened several other remarkable records, including the most World Cup appearances (34), most World Cup victories (23), and most knockout matches played (17). 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 was awarded 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 shared his reflections on Instagram, stating, “The pain is immense; it will take time for this wound to heal. 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.”

Kylian Mbappé, who placed second in the AIPS poll, also enjoyed another outstanding World Cup, despite France narrowly missing out on medals. The 27-year-old scored 10 goals in the tournament, bringing his overall World Cup tally to a record 22 goals across three tournaments, surpassing every other 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 his 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.

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 this feat against Mexico in the Round of 16 and Norway in the quarter-finals.

The AIPS poll involved accredited AIPS members and journalists participating in the organization’s World Cup Hotline, ensuring 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 July 13 before voting concluded. The top 10 AIPS Outstanding Player Rankings were: 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, and Michael Olise (France) – 91 points.

Journalists from 121 countries across six continents participated in the vote, highlighting the global recognition of Messi’s extraordinary performances. Although Spain ultimately lifted the World Cup trophy, it was Messi who once again captivated football fans and journalists worldwide, adding another prestigious accolade to an unparalleled international career and reaffirming his status as one of the greatest players the game has ever produced.