2024 FIFPRO World XI Excludes Messi and Ronaldo

For the first time since 2006, Lionel Messi has been excluded from the FIFPRO Men's World XI, marking a significant shift in the landscape of international soccer. Cristiano Ronaldo and Mohamed Salah also missed out on the 2024 team, which was dominated by players from Real Madrid and Manchester City. The squad features notable talents such as Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappé, and Vinicius Jr. in attack, with a strong midfield comprising Jude Bellingham, Kevin De Bruyne, Toni Kroos, and Rodri. Virgil van Dijk is the only player from outside these two clubs to make the lineup, reflecting the current dominance of these teams in European football. The selection process involved professional players from 70 countries, highlighting a transition in football's elite as new talents emerge and longstanding icons like Messi and Ronaldo step aside.