Lionel Messi's astonishing FIFPRO World XI record streak ends in 2024

Joe Wright

•
Lionel Messi's astonishing FIFPRO World XI record streak ends in 2024 image

Lionel Messi saw his remarkable run in the FIFPRO World XI come to an end as the 2024 lineup was announced on December 9.

The Inter Miami and Argentina star had been named in the all-star team every single year from 2007 to 2023 — a record run of consecutive appearances among male players. The next best is Cristiano Ronaldo, who was in 15 World XIs in a row from 2007 to 2021.

However, Messi's incredible streak is now officially over, the 37-year-old having failed to make the cut this year despite winning the Copa America with Argentina and being declared MLS MVP for 2024 after leading Inter Miami to the Supporters' Shield.

"What a ride," said the FIFPRO X account as the organisation paid tribute to Messi's longevity.

MORE: All the latest soccer action | Lionel Messi news

Who is in FIFPRO World XI 2024?

There was no room for Messi in the team as the attacking places were taken up by Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland, and Vinicius Junior.

The full men's team was as follows:

Goalkeeper: Ederson (Man City)

Defenders: Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid), Antonio Rudiger (Real Madrid), Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)

Midfielders: Kevin De Bruyne (Man City), Rodri (Man City), Toni Kroos (retired, formerly Real Madrid), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid)

Forwards: Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid), Erling Haaland (Man City), Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid)

The women's World XI was dominated by Spain and England internationals and included Ballon d'Or Feminin winner Aitana Bonmati.

Lucy Bronze's seventh appearance in the team drew her level with Wendie Renard's record for the women's game.

Goalkeeper: Mary Earps (Paris Saint-Germain)

Defenders: Lucy Bronze (Chelsea), Alex Greenwood (Man City), Olga Carmona (Real Madrid)

Midfielders: Aitana Bonmati (Barcelona), Keira Walsh (Barcelona), Alexia Putellas (Barcelona)

Forwards: Linda Caicedo (Real Madrid), Marta (Orlando Pride), Lauren James (Chelsea), Barbra Banda (Orlando Pride)

How is the FIFPRO World XI decided?

The FIFPRO World XI carries a certain level of prestige for players as it is voted for by their contemporaries.

FIFPRO, the global union representing professional footballers, invites players from around the world to vote for those they think have been the best performers over the previous season.

This year, more than 28,000 professional players from 70 countries cast their vote — a record number, according to FIFPRO.

Joe Wright

Joe Wright Photo

Joe Wright is a Senior Editor at Sporting News, managing global soccer and the UK team. He was previously a sub editor and writer for Goal.com before spending six years as part of the Stats Perform editorial news service, covering major global sports including football, tennis, boxing, NBA, rugby union and athletics. Joe has extensive experience covering some of the biggest events in football, including two UEFA Champions League finals, Euro 2016, the Confederations Cup 2017 and the 2018 World Cup, which included the final in Moscow.