Messi Makes Record 18th Appearance in FIFPRO World XI

Lionel Messi has been selected for the FIFPRO Men's World XI a record 18th time. The 39-year-old Inter Miami forward returned to the team for the first time since 2023, based on votes from professional players around the world.

Messi played in a four-man attacking line alongside Manchester City's Erling Haaland, Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe and Barcelona's young player Lamine Yamal. The selection came after Messi won the MLS Golden Boot for the second year in a row. He is the first player to win the award in consecutive years in the league's history. Messi finished the regular season with 26 goals and 17 assists, giving him 43 goal contributions, the most in the league.

Kane's omission was one of the most striking surprises in the men's selection. The Bayern Munich forward had won the Ballon d'Or, helped his club secure the Bundesliga title and taken England to the World Cup semi-finals. Even so, he could not make the starting XI.

Yamal became the first player to be selected for the FIFPRO World XI twice before turning 20. The 19-year-old, who was also in last year's squad, was joined by Spain's goalkeeper David Raya, defender Pau Cubarsi and midfielder Rodri.

PSG had three players in the men's squad: Morocco international Achraf Hakimi, Portugal's Nuno Mendes and midfielder Vitinha. Jude Bellingham also made the squad from Real Madrid, alongside Mbappe. Messi was the only male player competing for a club outside Europe.

In the women's squad, England's Lucy Bronze made history with her ninth selection. The Chelsea right-back became the most selected player in the club's history. Barcelona's Aitana Bonmati and Alexia Putellas were also included in the squad.