The 39-year-old Argentine superstar returns to the selection for the first time since 2023 following another impressive period of performances for club and country.
Messi earned his place alongside Manchester City's Erling Haaland, Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe and Barcelona youngster Lamine Yamal in an attacking line-up featuring some of the biggest names in world football.
Yamal also made history by becoming the first player to earn two FIFPRO World 11 selections before turning 20.
However, the biggest talking point surrounding this year's selection is Kane's absence.
The Bayern Munich striker enjoyed an outstanding 2025/26 campaign, winning the Bundesliga title and claiming the 2026 Ballon d'Or after an exceptional season in which he also helped England reach the World Cup semi-finals.
Despite his individual achievements, Kane failed to secure enough votes from fellow professional footballers to earn a place in the final team.
According to FIFPRO, more than 26,000 professional footballers from 75 countries participated in the voting process to select the men's and women's teams.
2026 FIFPRO Men's World 11
Goalkeeper: David Raya (Arsenal, Spain).
Defenders: Pau Cubarsi (Barcelona, Spain), Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain, Morocco), Nuno Mendes (Paris Saint-Germain, Portugal).
Midfielders: Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid, England), Rodri (Manchester City/Barcelona, Spain), Vitinha (Paris Saint-Germain, Portugal).
Forwards: Erling Haaland (Manchester City, Norway), Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid, France), Lionel Messi (Inter Miami, Argentina), Lamine Yamal (Barcelona, Spain).
2026 FIFPRO Women's World 11
Goalkeeper: Hannah Hampton (Chelsea, England).
Defenders: Lucy Bronze (Chelsea, England), Alex Greenwood (Manchester City, England), Mapi Leon (Barcelona/London City Lionesses, Spain), Irene Paredes (Barcelona, Spain).
Midfielders: Aitana Bonmati (Barcelona, Spain), Alexia Putellas (Barcelona/London City Lionesses, Spain), Ella Toone (Manchester United, England).
Forwards: Barbra Banda (Orlando Pride, Zambia), Claudia Pina (Barcelona, Spain), Alessia Russo (Arsenal, England).
Meanwhile, England and Chelsea defender Lucy Bronze made history by becoming the first woman to earn nine FIFPRO Women's World 11 selections.
Zambia's Barbra Banda was also recognised, becoming the only player representing a country outside England and Spain in the women's selection.
The 2026 FIFPRO World 11 was decided exclusively by professional footballers, making it one of the most significant peer-voted recognitions in world football.