The debate between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo has taken another twist at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with statistical platform Sofascore naming Messi the highest-rated player of the group stage while Ronaldo failed to make the top 50.
The rankings, released after the completion of the group stage, are based on Sofascore’s performance rating system, which combines match statistics and expert analysis. Only players who featured in at least 60% of their team’s total group-stage minutes were eligible for inclusion, narrowing the field from more than 1,200 World Cup participants to around 500 players.
Messi topped the rankings with an outstanding average rating of 9.07 after three group-stage appearances for Argentina. Although he played only 200 of a possible 270 minutes after being rested for part of the final group match against Jordan, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner still scored a stunning free kick to take his World Cup tally to six goals.
His individual match ratings of 10.0, 9.2, and 8.0 across victories over Algeria, Austria, and Jordan secured the tournament’s highest average score.
Surprisingly, France’s Ousmane Dembélé ranked second with an average rating of 8.57 after scoring four goals and providing one assist. He also received a perfect 10 rating for his performance in France’s 4-1 win over Norway.
Brazil’s Vinícius Júnior finished third with 8.43, followed by Erling Haaland (8.25), Kylian Mbappé (8.23), Leandro Trossard (8.07), Bruno Fernandes (7.97), Matheus Cunha (7.93), Jan Paul van Hecke (7.93), and Aymeric Laporte (7.93).
The rankings also highlighted Sofascore’s emphasis on overall contribution rather than goals alone. The inclusion of defenders Van Hecke and Laporte ahead of prolific attackers such as Cody Gakpo, Harry Kane, and Jude Bellingham reflects the platform’s broader evaluation of defensive and all-around performances.
One of the biggest talking points, however, was Ronaldo’s absence from the list. The Portuguese captain recorded an average rating of 7.07 across three matches, well below the 7.50 rating posted by Marquinhos, who occupied 50th place.
Portugal still placed two players inside the top 50, with Bruno Fernandes ranking seventh and Vitinha finishing 46th. Argentina, by contrast, had only one representative—Messi.
That contrast has sparked debate among football fans. Some argue Argentina remain overly dependent on Messi, while others believe the team’s disciplined tactical structure allows supporting players to perform less visibly while creating the conditions for their captain to thrive.
The rankings also featured several standout stories beyond football’s biggest stars. Cape Verde’s 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha ranked 23rd after a series of impressive performances, while Iran placed two players in the top 50 with goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand at 29th and midfielder Ramin Rezaeian at 36th. Japan’s Ayase Ueda also earned a place, finishing 43rd after helping his side advance from the group stage.
With the knockout rounds underway, the race for the tournament’s standout performer remains wide open. But after the opening phase of World Cup 2026, Messi has once again set the benchmark.
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