Lionel Messi has once again found himself at the top of world football—this time in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Power Rankings. Germany’s dramatic Round of 32 exit at the hands of Paraguay not only ended the four-time champions’ campaign but also paved the way for the Argentine captain to move into the No. 1 spot in FIFA’s tournament rankings.
For Messi, Germany has long been a team intertwined with his World Cup journey. It was Germany that denied him football’s biggest prize in the 2014 FIFA World Cup final in Brazil, leaving the Argentine legend heartbroken after a 1-0 defeat. Eight years later, Messi finally fulfilled his lifelong dream by leading Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar.
This time around, Germany and Argentina never had the opportunity to renew that rivalry, as Germany crashed out of the tournament following a penalty shootout defeat to Paraguay in the newly introduced Round of 32.
Germany’s Exit Helps Messi Reach No. 1
Before Germany’s knockout clash against Paraguay, Germany forward Deniz Undav occupied the top spot in FIFA’s World Cup 2026 Power Rankings, with Messi sitting just behind him in second place.
FIFA’s Power Rankings evaluate players based on their performances throughout the tournament. Every outfield player receives ratings between 0 and 10 in three categories:
- Attacking
- Creativity
- Defending
Goalkeepers are evaluated separately based on possession and goalkeeping performance.
Power Rankings Before Germany vs Paraguay
1. Deniz Undav (Germany)
- Attacking: 8.36
- Creativity: 6.78
- Defending: 4.70
2. Lionel Messi (Argentina)
- Attacking: 8.34
- Creativity: 6.43
- Defending: 5.14
3. Kylian Mbappe (France)
- Attacking: 8.13
- Creativity: 7.25
- Defending: 4.59
4. Vinicius Junior (Brazil)
- Attacking: 7.92
- Creativity: 6.39
- Defending: 4.75
Germany’s elimination significantly altered the standings.
Updated FIFA World Cup 2026 Power Rankings
Following Germany’s exit, Messi climbed to the summit of the rankings.
1. Lionel Messi (Argentina)
- Attacking: 8.49
- Creativity: 6.55
- Defending: 5.17
2. Kylian Mbappe (France)
- Attacking: 8.26
- Creativity: 7.37
- Defending: 4.62
3. Deniz Undav (Germany)
- Attacking: 7.85
- Creativity: 6.20
- Defending: 4.53
Germany striker Deniz Undav dropped from first to third after the team’s elimination, while France captain Kylian Mbappe moved up to second.
Brazil star Vinicius Junior slipped two positions to sixth in the rankings, while Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo climbed to 74th.
The rankings were updated before the Round of 32 fixture between Norway and Ivory Coast.
Oliver Kahn Praises Messi-Ronaldo Rivalry
German goalkeeping legend Oliver Kahn believes Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have produced one of the greatest rivalries in sporting history, pushing each other to extraordinary levels for nearly two decades.
Speaking about the legendary duo, Kahn said their rivalry was defined not by words but by consistently exceptional performances.
“Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have pushed each other for almost two decades, and it is truly remarkable to see the level of football they continue to play. Their rivalry was never built on words; it was built on performances. Every season, they pushed each other to become even better.”
Kahn added that football may never witness another rivalry that combines such longevity, consistency and excellence.
“Football may never see another rivalry with that level of consistency and excellence.”
Kahn Reflects On 2002 World Cup Heartbreak
Kahn also looked back on Germany’s run to the 2002 FIFA World Cup final, where he became the only goalkeeper in history to win the Golden Ball despite finishing runner-up.
Although the individual honour remains one of the greatest achievements of his career, Kahn admitted losing the World Cup final continues to hurt.
“The 2002 World Cup remains one of the greatest experiences of my career. Losing the final still hurts because, as an athlete, you always want to win, especially the World Cup.”
He added that with time, he has learned to appreciate the journey, the team spirit and the memories shared with his teammates during that remarkable campaign.