IFFHS Names Lionel Messi Best Player of the 2026 World Cup
- Lionel Messi has been named the best player of the 2026 World Cup by the International Federation of Football History & Statistics (IFFHS), according to reports from BioBioChile...
- The IFFHS chose Messi over Spanish midfielder Rodri, the FIFA-recognized top player of the event, as reported by Gente de Salta.
- Chilevisión reported that the IFFHS verdict is inequívoco—unequivocal—in its assessment of Messi's performance.
Lionel Messi has been named the best player of the 2026 World Cup by the International Federation of Football History & Statistics (IFFHS), according to reports from BioBioChile and Chilevisión on July 22, 2026. The selection creates a sharp divide with FIFA, the sport’s global governing body, which awarded the tournament’s top individual honor to a different player.
A Clash of Verdicts Over Rodri
The IFFHS chose Messi over Spanish midfielder Rodri, the FIFA-recognized top player of the event, as reported by Gente de Salta. It is a rare divergence.
Chilevisión reported that the IFFHS verdict is inequívoco—unequivocal—in its assessment of Messi’s performance.
Statistics Versus Technical Voting
While FIFA’s award went to Rodri, the IFFHS maintains that Messi’s contributions on the pitch warranted the title.
The ‘Once Propio’ and the Top Ten
The designation of Messi is part of a broader tournament evaluation. As noted by Sports Illustrated, the IFFHS curated a list of the ten best players of the 2026 World Cup. This list served as the foundation for the federation’s “once propio,” or its own ideal starting eleven for the competition.