
The 2026 FIFPRO World 11 selection has sparked intense debate across the global football community after Argentine icon Lionel Messi made a record-extending return to the prestigious lineup. Voted on exclusively by professional footballers worldwide, the starting XI notably omitted recent Ballon d’Or winner Harry Kane, leaving fans and pundits stunned. Messi’s inclusion underscores his enduring influence on the pitch, while Kane’s absence highlights the fierce competition among Europe’s elite forwards during the 2026 calendar year.