London: In a surprising turn, Lionel Messi has been excluded from this year’s FIFPRO World 11, marking the first time in nearly two decades that the Argentine legend has not been included in the prestigious lineup. This marks the first absence of Messi from the World 11 since its inception in 2006, breaking his streak of 17 consecutive selections.
Messi’s place in the forward position was taken by Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappe, and Vinicius Jr. The forward trio was part of the 2024 World 11, announced on Monday by the global players’ association.
Real Madrid and Manchester City dominated this year’s selection, with six players from the Champions League winners Real Madrid and four from Manchester City making the cut. Jude Bellingham topped the men’s overall voting, earning 11,176 selections from fellow players.
The men’s team also featured defenders Dani Carvajal, Virgil van Dijk, and Antonio Rudiger, along with midfielders Kevin De Bruyne, Toni Kroos, Rodri, and Bellingham. Haaland, Mbappe, and Vinicius Jr. completed the forward line.
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In the women’s category, five English players made the 2024 Women’s World 11, led by Lucy Bronze, who tied the all-time appearance record with Wendie Renard, and goalkeeper Mary Earps. Zambian forward Barbra Banda made history as the first African player to feature in the Women’s World 11.
This exclusion of Messi from the World 11 has sparked discussions, as it signifies a shift in the football landscape, with rising stars like Haaland and Mbappe now taking the spotlight. Despite the snub, Messi remains one of the greatest players of all time, with his legacy firmly cemented in football history.
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