Lionel Messi once again confirmed his status as a legend of world football. Although Rodri received the official FIFA award for the best player of the 2026 World Cup, the international organisation IFFHS named the Argentine as the tournament’s top performer.
Messi’s Statistics at the 2026 World Cup
Messi delivered one of the strongest performances of his career:
- 8 matches (626 minutes played)
- 8 goals
- 4 assists
average rating — 8.33
Argentina reached the final but lost 0–1 to Spain in extra time, finishing as runners-up.
Why IFFHS Chose Messi
Unlike FIFA, which focuses on overall team impact, IFFHS uses a broader performance index, including:
- individual statistics
- impact in key matches
- consistency
- overall influence on play
Across all these metrics, Messi ranked above his competitors.
FIFA’s Decision: Why Rodri Won
FIFA awarded the Golden Ball to Rodri, highlighting:
- midfield control
- key role in Spain’s victory
- consistent performances
The decision sparked debate among fans and analysts.
Top Scorers at the 2026 World Cup
Three players scored seven goals each:
- Lionel Messi (Argentina)
- Erling Haaland (Norway)
- Kylian Mbappé (France)
This underlined the high level of competition at the tournament.
2026 World Cup Records
The tournament set several records:
- 13 own goals — all-time World Cup record
- 48 teams — largest tournament ever
- 104 matches — record number of games
Messi: All-Time World Cup Top Scorer
Messi also set a historic milestone:
- 21 World Cup goals — all-time record
Other legends:
- Miroslav Klose — 16 goals
- Ronaldo — 15 goals
Single-tournament record:
- Just Fontaine — 13 goals (1958)
Conclusion
Despite FIFA’s decision, Lionel Messi emerged as the defining player of the 2026 World Cup. His statistics, influence and records made him the standout star of the tournament.
Recognition from IFFHS reinforces what many fans already believe — Messi remains one of the greatest footballers in history.
FAQ
Who was named the best player of the 2026 World Cup?
FIFA awarded Rodri, while IFFHS named Lionel Messi.
How many goals did Messi score?
Messi scored 8 goals and provided 4 assists.
Who won the 2026 World Cup?
Spain defeated Argentina 1–0 in extra time.
How many teams participated?
A record 48 teams competed.
What record did Messi set?
He became the all-time top scorer in World Cup history with 21 goals.
Who were the top scorers?
Messi, Haaland and Mbappé each scored seven goals.
Fans had previously learnt about the legends who might bring their careers to a close at the 2026 World Cup. Lionel Messi was among them.
