Messi Voted Best Player of 2026 World Cup by International Sports Press Association

Lionel Messi has been named the best player of the 2026 World Cup by the International Sports Press Association (AIPS), the organization announced.

The Argentine superstar garnered 1179 points in a vote cast by 472 media representatives from 121 countries, including Bulgaria. A total of 20 players were nominated in the top three selections (5 points for first place, 3 for second, and 1 for third).

French forward Kylian Mbappé secured second place in the poll with 717 points, while English midfielder Jude Bellingham finished third with 470 points.

The 39-year-old Messi concluded the tournament with 8 goals and 4 assists, leading Argentina to the final, which they dramatically lost to Spain after extra time on Sunday, thus failing to defend their title. The Argentine also set several World Cup records, including most matches played (34), most wins (23), and most assists (12).

Mbappé claimed the "Golden Boot" as the top scorer of the 2026 World Cup with 10 goals, though France, the Qatar 2022 runner-up, finished in fourth place. With 22 goals, he leads all-time World Cup scorers, one more than Messi.

Bellingham, meanwhile, was a key figure for the English squad with 7 goals, playing a crucial role in their bronze medal triumph.

Spanish midfielder and "La Roja" captain Rodri, who was named the 2026 World Cup Player of the Tournament by FIFA, ranked sixth in the AIPS standings with 285 points. Ahead of him were Norwegian goalscorer Erling Haaland with 460 points and his Iberian teammate Lamine Yamal with 304.

Interestingly, seventh place went to Cape Verdean goalkeeper Vozinha with 189 points, while Spain's Unai Simón, chosen by FIFA as the tournament's best goalkeeper, received no points at all.