Messi is first in the updated ranking of the best players in the world

Messi is first in the updated ranking of the best players in the world

According to Championat.

Context

Lionel Messi, after his impressive performance at the 2022 World Cup, continues to be a central figure in the Argentina national team. His experience and talent are fundamental to the team, especially in a tournament as competitive as the 2026 World Cup, where he is looking to once again make his mark.

Why this matters

Lionel Messi's lead in the 2026 World Cup best players rankings highlights his continued importance in international football, especially following his 2022 World Cup win with Argentina. His skill on the field not only inspires his teammates, but also attracts the attention of fans around the world, cementing his position as one of the greatest players in football history.

Main conclusions

• Messi is first in the updated ranking of the best players in the world.
• Lionel Messi remains at the top of the ranking of the best players at the 2026 World Cup, followed by Kylian Mbappé and Rodri, according to The Athletic.
• Месси — первый в обновлённом рейтинге лучших игроков ЧМ-2026 по версии The Athletic - Чемпионат.

The 2026 World Cup, which is being held in the United States, Mexico and Canada, has already shown great emotions and talent on the field. Recently, the renowned portal The Athletic presented its updated ranking of the best players who are standing out in the competition. And it's no surprise to anyone that Lionel Messi, icon of Argentine football, occupies the first position. After the semi-finals, Messi, who already led Argentina to a historic title at the 2022 World Cup, continues to shine on his journey in 2026. His talent and skill on the field are undeniable, and he has been fundamental for the Argentine team, showing that he still has a lot to offer. The striker is widely recognized for his vision of the game, dribbling ability and precise finishing, attributes that keep him at the top of the rankings. Just behind Messi, Kylian Mbappé, from the French team, appears in second place. The young playmaker has impressed with his speed and agility, being a constant threat to opposing defenses. Mbappé is known for his ability to decide games and has already demonstrated this in the current edition of the tournament, with performances that place him among the best. In third place, we have Rodri, the midfielder for the Spanish national team. Rodri has stood out not only for his ability to distribute the game, but also for his defensive ability, being a key player in the team's formation. His tactical vision and precise passing make him an indispensable player for Spain. The top 10 best players at the 2026 World Cup, according to The Athletic, are as follows: 1. Lionel Messi (Argentina), 2. Kylian Mbappé (France), 3. Rodri (Spain), 4. Jude Bellingham (England), 5. Harry Kane (England), 6. Erling Haaland (Norway), 7. Aymeric Laporte (Spain), 8. Pau Torres (Spain), 9.Michael Olise (France) and 10. Ousmane Dembélé (France). The 2026 World Cup is scheduled to take place from June 11 to July 19, culminating in the grand final to be held in East Rutherford, United States. With the tournament still ongoing, it will be interesting to see how these players will continue to excel and whether new talent may emerge in the competition. Expectations are high and fans around the world are eager to follow the next stages of the championship.

What happens next

With the 2026 World Cup underway, the next games will be crucial for Messi and his team to maintain the performance that got them this far. The focus will now be on the semifinals, where Argentina will look to advance and Messi can continue to shine, potentially facing opponents like Kylian Mbappé and the French team, who are also among the favorites.