IFFHS Names Messi Best Player of 2026 World Cup

Lionel Messi, though awarded the Silver Ball by FIFA after Spain's triumph over Argentina in the 2026 World Cup final, received top individual praise from another organization. The International Federation of Football History and Statistics (IFFHS) named Messi the tournament's best player, highlighting his outstanding influence throughout the competition.

The choice for Argentina's captain was based on a performance index developed by the IFFHS. This index takes into account match ratings, goals scored, assists, and overall impact, especially during the knockout stages.

At 39 years old, Messi appeared in eight matches during the World Cup. He netted eight goals and provided four assists, reaching a total of 12 goal contributions. This achievement earned him high marks in the statistical evaluation that underpins the IFFHS award.

This recognition came just days after FIFA awarded the official Golden Ball to Spain's captain Rodri, with Messi receiving the Silver Ball and French forward Kylian Mbappé taking the Bronze Ball. The distinction between these awards lies in their criteria: FIFA’s honor depends on voting, while the IFFHS relies on detailed statistical analysis of individual performance and technical influence throughout the tournament.

We think this shows how different methods can lead to different winners in sports awards, depending on whether subjective voting or objective stats take priority.