Messi beats Mbappé and Kane in the race for the World Cup’s most influential player

Tops Argentine star Lionel Messi The 2026 FIFA World Cup is entering its decisive phase with 16 final matches, including 8 matches in the round of 16, 4 matches in the quarter-finals, two semi-finals, a final and a third- and fourth-place match, completing a record 104 matches in the history of the World Cup. So far, 88 matches have been held.

The Spanish “Marca” newspaper reports.The Argentina captain and the tournament’s current top scorer has moved out of all names in the Power Rankings, which measure players’ performance at the World Cup match-by-match and match-by-match, after making 88 appearances at the World Cup so far.

The American Inter Miami star took his tally to 7 to lead the scoring charts, ahead of France’s Kylian Mbappe, who scored 6 goals, and the pair of Harry Kane and Erling Haaland, who scored 5 goals.

Messi also became the first player in World Cup history to score 20 goals in a record 30 matches, averaging 35.56 points after the Cape Verde match, which saw him score the third goal and assist from a corner to become Argentina’s best player.

Europe’s two most popular players round out the rankings, with France’s Kylian Mbappe in second place with 34.14 thanks to his six goals for France alongside the tournament’s most devastating forward line, followed by England’s Harry Kane with 33.49. the three lions.

Rounding out the top three are Spain’s Rodri and striker Mikel Oyarzabal with 32.41 and 31.81 points respectively as Matador’s best players so far, followed by talented Canadian Steven Eustaquio, then Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele and Brazil boss Jouni Dembele Vinichus. Ancelotti, in addition to Mexican Roberto Alvarado and Belgian Yuri Thielemans.

In terms of playing positions on the field, the Paraguayan goalkeeper Orlando Gil ranks as the most effective goalkeeper with 29.88 points after making 19 saves, and the Spanish Unai Simon is the eleventh with only 4 saves due to the lack of tests.

While Brazilian defender Gabriel leads the defensive line with 29.64 points, just ahead of Aymeric Laporte II with 29.51 points, Rodri is the best leader in midfield with 32.41 points, and the offensive line is led by the trio of Messi, Mbappe and Kane.

In Spain’s standings in particular, the trio of Rodry, Aymeric Laporte and Pedri have been pacing the Matadors in defense and midfield so far, while striker Mikel Oyarzabal is ranked fourth, followed by youngster Lamine Yamal in fifth.