FIFA has announced its World Cup 2026 team of the tournament, with Messi and Lisandro Martínez included after Argentina were beaten by Spain in the final.

Martínez was crucial alongside Cristian "Cuti" Romero, who could also have been selected in the XI. The defender’s campaign ended on a disappointing note when he came off late in the first half of the final with a right leg injury.

Messi delivered eight goals and four assists, and there was debate after he did not get the award for the tournament’s best player.

Champions Spain and France each had three players in the side. Spain’s full-backs, Marc Cucurella and Pedro Porro, were joined by midfielder Rodrigo Hernández, who won the best player award.

France were represented by Dayot Upamecano, Michael Olise and Kylian Mbappé. Mbappé finished as top scorer with 10 goals and moved to 22 across three editions to become the competition’s all-time leading scorer, one ahead of Messi.

The XI was completed by best goalkeeper Vozinha of Cabo Verde, England midfielder Jude Bellingham and Norway striker Erling Haaland.