Lionel Messi won the IFFHS World Cup award after recording eight goals and four assists as Argentina reached the 2026 final, the organisation announced.
The International Federation of Football History and Statistics said its performance index placed Messi above every other player assessed during the tournament. Its award uses weighted ratings, goal contributions, knockout-stage impact and team progression.
The IFFHS credited the Argentina captain with an average match rating of 8.33. It said his contributions across the knockout rounds played a decisive role in Argentina’s run to the final.
FIFA separately presented its official adidas Golden Ball to Spain midfielder Rodri. He helped Spain win the World Cup with a 1-0 extra-time victory over Argentina at New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19.
Ferran Torres scored the final’s only goal in the 106th minute as Spain secured its second men’s World Cup title. Argentina failed to register a shot on target, according to FIFA’s match statistics.
Read: Messi Congratulates Spain After 1-0 World Cup Final
The IFFHS recognition does not replace or overturn FIFA’s Golden Ball. It is an independent award based on the federation’s statistical performance index, while FIFA selects the official tournament award.
