Lionel Messi has broken another remarkable record after being named in the 2026 FIFPRO World 11 for the 18th time, while Ballon d’Or winner Harry Kane suffered a surprising omission despite his outstanding season.
Messi Makes History Again as 2026 Ballon d’Or Winner Suffers Shock Snub
Lionel Messi has made football history once again after being selected for the 2026 FIFPRO Men’s World 11, while Ballon d’Or winner Harry Kane was surprisingly left out.
FIFPRO officially announced the team on November 9, following votes from 19,806 professional footballers across 73 countries.
The 39-year-old Inter Miami superstar returned to the prestigious team for the first time since 2023.
Even more remarkably, Messi has now been selected for the FIFPRO World 11 a record 18 times, extending his incredible achievement.
Messi sets another incredible world record
Messi first appeared in the FIFPRO World 11 in 2007 and has continued to earn recognition from fellow professionals across different generations.
Despite leaving European football and joining Inter Miami, the Argentine legend remains among the most respected players in the world.
He was selected alongside three other attacking superstars:
Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid)
Erling Haaland (Manchester City)
Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)
Messi also became the only player from a club outside Europe to feature in the 2026 men’s team.
Ballon d’Or winner Harry Kane suffers shocking snub
However, one of the biggest surprises involved England captain Harry Kane.
The Bayern Munich striker won the 2026 Ballon d’Or after an outstanding season, helping his club win the Bundesliga and leading England to the World Cup semi-finals.
Despite those achievements, Kane failed to secure a place in the FIFPRO World 11.
Even more surprisingly, he became the first Ballon d’Or winner to miss out on the FIFPRO World 11 in the same year.
Kane received 27.6% of the votes for forwards, narrowly finishing behind Erling Haaland, who received 28.4%.
Messi, meanwhile, received 29.5% of the vote, earning his place ahead of the Ballon d’Or winner.
Yamal also creates history
Messi was not the only player to reach an important milestone.
Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal became the first footballer to earn two FIFPRO World 11 selections before turning 20.
The Spanish star joined Messi, Mbappé and Haaland in an impressive four-man attack.
Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo also missed out on the final team despite being included among the 26 nominees.
Messi continues to prove his greatness
The FIFPRO World 11 is especially important because the winners are chosen by professional footballers rather than journalists or fans.
Messi’s latest selection shows that his performances continue to earn respect from fellow players around the world.
At 39, the Argentine legend has extended his record to 18 appearances, while the reigning Ballon d’Or winner has been left out of the world’s best XI.
It is another remarkable chapter in Messi’s legendary career.
