Messi loses his place in the World XI. The Argentine sensation Lionel Messi has not been included to the Team of the Year, which is chosen by football players, for the first time since 2006. Messi’s name was virtually assured to be in the World XI for an amazing 17 years in a row, from 2007 to 2023.
Messi loses his place: Messi was a member of the World XI for 17 consecutive years and is considered one of the best players in contemporary sport. But in 2024, that run came to an end. Cristiano Ronaldo, Messi’s longtime nemesis, had made the World XI for 16 years running before to this. Ronaldo did not get enough votes from his peers this time either.
Mohamed Salah, an Egyptian sensation who has been hitting goals for Liverpool on a regular basis, has also been excluded from the list.
When Messi from Inter Miami and Ronaldo from Al Nassr were named to the 26-man shortlist a week ago, they created headlines. Only Messi and Ronaldo were able to earn spots on the shortlist among players from leagues outside of Europe.
Five Premier League players are in the 2024 World XI. Erling Haaland, Ederson, Kevin De Bruyne, and Rodri, the winner of the Ballon d’Or, are the four representatives of reigning champion Manchester City. Virgil van Dijk, the captain of Liverpool, has also guaranteed a place in the squad.
Champions League champions with six players, Real Madrid has the most representation. The team includes Real Madrid players Antonio Rüdiger, Dani Carvajal, and the recently retired Toni Kroos in addition to Kylian Mbappé, VinÃcius Júnior, and Jude Bellingham.
Messi loses his place
2024 FIFPro Men’s World XI:
Goalkeeper:
Ederson (Manchester City, Brazil)
Defenders:
Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid, Spain)
Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool, Netherlands)
Antonio Rüdiger (Real Madrid, Germany)
Midfielders:
Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid, England)
Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City, Belgium)
Toni Kroos (Real Madrid, Germany)
Rodri (Manchester City, Spain)
Forwards:
Erling Haaland (Manchester City, Norway)
Kylian Mbappé (PSG/Real Madrid, France)
VinÃcius Júnior (Real Madrid, Brazil)
Messi loses his place
