IFFHS Names Messi Best Player at 2026 World Cup Despite Silver Ball Finish

Lionel Messi did not claim FIFA's Golden Ball at the 2026 World Cup, finishing with the Silver Ball after Argentina lost to Spain in the final. Still, the International Federation of Football History and Statistics (IFFHS) chose him as the tournament's best player.

This award reflects Messi’s significant influence throughout the competition, especially during the knockout stages, according to the IFFHS's performance index. This index factors in match ratings, goals, assists, and overall impact on the team's success.

At 39 years old, Messi played in eight matches during the World Cup, scoring eight goals and assisting four times, accumulating 12 direct goal contributions. His efforts drove Argentina all the way to the final against Spain.

Just days earlier, FIFA had awarded the official Golden Ball to Spain’s captain Rodri, leaving Messi with the Silver Ball and France’s Kylian Mbappé with the Bronze. The difference in winners highlights contrasting methods: FIFA’s awards depend on voting, while IFFHS relies on a statistical model measuring technical performance and individual output over the entire event.