Lionel Messi Wins AIPS Best Player Award for 2026 World Cup

2026-07-24

At 39, Lionel Messi continues to rewrite history. The Argentina legend has officially been voted the Best Player of the 2026 World Cup by the International Sports Press Association (AIPS), pulling in 1,179 points from 301 journalists worldwide.

Kylian Mbappé finished second with 717 points (245 votes), while England’s Jude Bellingham took third with 470 points (168 votes).

Messi’s Sixth Act: More Records Broken

Embarking on his record-equalling sixth World Cup, Messi guided Argentina to another deep tournament run before falling to Spain in a dramatic final.

Across 8 matches, the captain delivered 8 goals and 4 assists, driving his team through grueling extra-time battles.

His historic summer further cemented several untouchable World Cup milestones:

• Most appearances: 34 matches
• Most wins: 23 victories
• Most knockout appearances: 17 matches
• Most assists: 12 total
• Scoring streak: Goals in 9 consecutive World Cup matches

As the only player to score in his teens, twenties, and thirties at the tournament—and a dual AIPS Best Player winner—Messi reflected on social media: "The pain is immense, but I choose to cherish the memories of us fighting until the end."

Mbappé Claims Golden Boot History

France captain Mbappé secured second place after another explosive tournament, leading Les Bleus to their third consecutive semi-final.

The 27-year-old netted 10 goals, officially breaking German legend Miroslav Klose’s record to become the all-time leading goalscorer in World Cup history with 22 goals.

After a thrilling 6-4 third-place playoff victory over England—featuring a brace from the star—Mbappé successfully defended his Golden Boot, becoming the first player in history to win the award twice.

Bellingham’s Record-Breaking Run

Jude Bellingham capped off a stellar individual campaign in third place.

The 23-year-old midfielder scored 7 goals, setting a new record for the most goals by an English player—and any midfielder—in a single World Cup.

Emulating Diego Maradona’s iconic 1986 feat, Bellingham scored braces in consecutive knockout matches against Mexico and Norway, powering England to a third-place finish.

Full AIPS Voting Results

The poll featured 472 journalists across 121 countries, using a 5-3-1 points system from a 20-player shortlist.

Top 10 Final Standings:

1. Lionel Messi (Argentina) – 1,179 pts
2. Kylian Mbappé (France) – 717 pts
3. Jude Bellingham (England) – 470 pts
4. Erling Haaland (Norway) – 460 pts
5. Lamine Yamal (Spain) – 304 pts
6. Rodri (Spain) – 285 pts
7. Vozinha (Cape Verde) – 189 pts
8. Harry Kane (England) – 130 pts
9. Mikel Oyarzabal (Spain) – 118 pts
10. Michael Olise (France) – 91 pts