Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, and Erling Haaland have been named as finalists for the FIFA Men’s Best Player award [2, 3].

The shortlist represents the pinnacle of individual achievement in global soccer, coinciding with the buildup to the next major international tournament. These players are widely considered the most influential figures in the sport today.

In a rapid-fire video produced by Newsweek, the three athletes answered a series of questions and offered predictions regarding the 2026 World Cup [1, 4]. The segment highlights the competitive dynamic between the stars as they prepare for the upcoming tournament [1].

The award announcement took place in London, United Kingdom [5]. According to reports, the competition for the top prize was close. The Associated Press said that Messi won the award on Monday, though he required a tiebreaker with Haaland to secure the victory [2].

Other finalists for the men's honor included the same trio of Messi, Mbappé, and Haaland [3]. The announcement also included finalists for the women's awards, including Bonmatí, Hermoso, and Caicedo [3].

The timing of the award and the promotional video serves to amplify anticipation for the 2026 World Cup [1, 4]. By pairing the world's top-rated players in a single media event, FIFA and its partners are focusing attention on the individual legacies of the players ahead of the global event [1].

“Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, and Erling Haaland are up for FIFA’s best player award.”

The narrow margin between Messi and Haaland in the FIFA voting underscores a transition in global soccer dominance. While Messi continues to secure prestigious hardware, the rise of Haaland indicates a shifting guard that will define the narrative of the 2026 World Cup.