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Published : 22 Jul 2026, 07:25 PM
The International Federation of Football History and Statistics (IFFHS) has named Lionel Messi the Best Player of the 2026 World Cup, saying the Argentina captain topped its performance index after an outstanding tournament.
The federation said its rankings were based on a weighted system combining match ratings, goals, assists and performances in the knockout rounds, with Messi recording the highest aggregate score across all criteria.
According to the IFFHS, displays in the knockout stages carried particular weight in its assessment, where Messi's influence proved pivotal to Argentina's run to the final.
It said the award reflects a purely statistical evaluation of individual performances, describing Messi's selection as the clear outcome of its analysis.
The 39-year-old finished the tournament with eight goals and four assists in eight appearances, averaging an IFFHS match rating of 8.33.
His tournament record included:
• Matches: 8
• Minutes: 626
• Goals: 8
• Assists: 4
• Average IFFHS match rating: 8.33
• Award: IFFHS Best Player
Founded in 1991, the IFFHS is an independent organisation that recognises achievements in world football through statistical analysis and historical records.
Although the IFFHS published its assessment before the World Cup final, FIFA's Technical Study Group later awarded the Golden Ball to Spain midfielder Rodri after Spain edged Argentina 1-0 after extra time at MetLife Stadium.
The decision sparked debate among supporters, pundits and sections of the international media over whether Messi had been denied a third Golden Ball despite producing one of the finest World Cup campaigns of his career.
While Rodri orchestrated Spain's title-winning midfield, controlling matches and dictating tempo, he finished the tournament without a goal or assist.
Messi, by contrast, ended the World Cup with 12 direct goal contributions, a contrast that has remained central to the debate over the game's top individual honour.
