Lionel Messi Voted Transfermarkt’s Best Player of 2026 FIFA World Cup
Lionel Messi has been voted Transfermarkt’s Player of the Tournament at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, edging out France’s Kylian Mbappé in a fan poll despite Argentina’s defeat to Spain in the final.
Although the 39-year-old was denied a fairytale ending to his illustrious World Cup career after Argentina lost to Spain in the championship match, Messi earned the admiration of football fans around the world with another remarkable tournament.
He finished as runner-up with Argentina, scored eight goals, none from the penalty spot, and provided four assists in what was his sixth and final World Cup appearance.
Messi secured 36.8 per cent of the votes cast by Transfermarkt users to claim the award, finishing comfortably ahead of Golden Boot winner Kylian Mbappé, who received 25.6 per cent.
Mbappé, now with Real Madrid, made history by becoming the first player to finish as the World Cup’s leading scorer in two consecutive tournaments after netting 10 goals.
Following the final, the Argentine Football Association paid tribute to its legendary captain, thanking him for his unwavering commitment, his ‘magic,’ and for giving everything ‘until the very last second’ throughout the tournament.
Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha emerged as one of the surprise stars of the World Cup, finishing third in the Transfermarkt vote with 8.3 per cent.
The 40-year-old shot-stopper, currently without a club, produced 18 saves in four matches and helped the tournament debutants avoid defeat in regulation time throughout the competition, with even eventual finalists Argentina requiring extra time to overcome them.
His performances are expected to earn him a significant boost when Transfermarkt updates player market values on July 22.
Norway striker Erling Haaland placed fourth with eight per cent of the votes, while England midfielder Jude Bellingham rounded out the top five after attracting 5.6 per cent support from fans.
In the positional voting, Messi dominated the forwards’ category with 41.1 per cent of the vote. Bellingham was the overwhelming choice among midfielders with 53.5 per cent, Spain defender Pau Cubarsí topped the defenders’ category with 27.5 per cent, while Vozinha claimed the goalkeeper honours with an impressive 58.4 per cent.
The Transfermarkt awards contrasted with FIFA’s official honours, which were dominated by Spain following their World Cup triumph.
Manchester City midfielder Rodri was named FIFA’s Player of the Tournament, Barcelona defender Pau Cubarsí received the Best Young Player award, while Athletic Bilbao goalkeeper Unai Simón won the Golden Glove after conceding just one goal in eight matches during Spain’s victorious campaign.
