Lionel Messi was voted into the FIFPRO Men’s World XI for the 18th time as Spain’s players dominated both the men’s and women’s selections announced Monday.
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Lionel Messi was elected to the FIFPRO Men’s World XI on Monday, marking the Argentina forward’s 18th year appearing in the lineup.
Now 39, Messi was picked as part of a four-superstar attack that also includes Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland and Lamine Yamal.
The voting was conducted by the global players’ union FIFPRO, with nearly 20,000 players participating in the poll that selects the men’s World XI.
The men’s team also featured Spain’s Rodri, who signed from Manchester City after winning the FIFA Golden Ball as the best player at the World Cup. Goalkeeper David Raya, listed as a backup for Spain, won election for his performances with Arsenal, the Premier League winner and Champions League finalist.
FIFPRO said PSG had three players named: Achraf Hakimi, Nuno Mendes and Vitinha. Jude Bellingham’s selection alongside Mbappé gave Real Madrid two picks, while Real Madrid’s other attackers included Mbappé and Messi’s attack partners completed the forwards grouping.
FIFPRO’s women’s World XI was also announced Monday, with Spain’s World Cup champion squads prominent in the final selections. The women’s lineup included three-time Ballon d’Or winners Alexia Putellas and Aitana Bonmati.
FIFPRO said more than 6,500 women players from 64 countries voted for the women’s team.
The women’s World XI included five players from European champion England, and FIFPRO reported none from the United States. It also listed Barbra Banda of Orlando Pride as the only player with an African or North and South American connection.
In the men’s World XI, the goalkeeper was David Raya, with defenders Pau Cubarsí, Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes; midfielders Jude Bellingham, Rodri and Vitinha; and forwards Erling Haaland, Mbappé, Messi and Yamal.
In the women’s World XI, the goalkeeper was Hannah Hampton, with defenders Lucy Bronze, Alex Greenwood, Mapi Leon and Irene Paredes; midfielders Aitana Bonmati, Alexia Putellas and Ella Toone; and forwards Barbra Banda, Claudia Pina and Alessia Russo.
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