Lionel Messi has cemented his status as the greatest of all time by securing his 18th selection to the FIFPRO World XI, a record that underscores his enduring dominance in global football. The 39-year-old Inter Miami forward was chosen by nearly 20,000 professional players who voted for the world’s best squad, ensuring his place in a formidable four-man attack alongside Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, and Lamine Yamal. This latest honor highlights Messi’s ability to maintain elite performance levels well into his late 30s, defying age-related expectations and continuing to influence the highest echelons of the sport.
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In a surprising turn of events, Harry Kane was omitted from the final lineup despite his recent triumphs, including winning the Ballon d’Or. The Dutch-based global union released the full list on Monday, revealing that Kane’s peers did not prioritize him over the established stars. This exclusion marks a significant moment in Kane’s career, as it highlights the subjective nature of peer voting and the intense competition for spots in the world’s premier team. The omission has sparked debate among fans and analysts, who question whether Kane’s individual accolades were sufficient to overcome the weight of historical legacy and current form in the eyes of his colleagues.
The voting results also revealed a distinct geographic bias, with Messi standing alone as the only player representing a club outside Europe. While Paris Saint-Germain’s Achraf Hakimi was the sole other selection from a national team outside the continent, the list was heavily dominated by players from top European leagues. Spain’s World Cup-winning squad featured four players on the men’s team, including the 19-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal, while the women’s team saw even greater Spanish representation with five selections. This distribution reinforces the perception that European leagues remain the primary engine of global football talent, with Messi as the undeniable exception to the rule.
Source: Yahoo Sports
