Lionel Messi
- by abdulhamid
- 28 June 2026
The 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage ended in the early hours of Sunday, with several players making their mark.
Read on as we look at the best group stage XI.
Vozinha (Cabo Verde): The 40-year-old has played a vital role in Cape Verde’s fairytale run. He is the oldest goalkeeper to keep a clean sheet on his World Cup debut.
Achraf Hakimi (Morocco): The right-back has registered one goal and one assist, helping the Atlas Lions finish level on points with record champions Brazil in Group C.
Virgil van Dijk (Netherlands): The Liverpool skipper has looked assured, winning 72 percent of his ground duels and 79% of his aerial duels. He also has two goal involvements.
Marc Guehi (England): He has won 84% of his ground duels and 88% of his aerial duels. He has also completed 97% of his passes and created one chance.
Antonee Robinson (United States): The Fulham left-back has been full of energy and drive. He has created two chances, won 59% of his ground duels and 60% of his aerial duels.
Pedro Vite (Ecuador): No central midfielder has won more total challenges (30) or more duels than Vite in the tournament. He has also created eight chances.
Nathan Saliba (Canada): The Anderlecht midfielder has been one of the breakout stars in the competition. He has registered three goal involvements.
Kylian Mbappe (France): Only Lionel Messi has outscored the Real Madrid star, but he is joint-top with the Argentine captain for goal involvements.
Johan Manzambi (Switzerland): The Freiburg youngster has been electric, registering four goal contributions despite making just one start.
Erling Braut Haaland (Norway): The Manchester City forward has bagged four goals in two games.
Lionel Messi (Argentina): He is the only player to score in the opening three games and is top of the goalscorers and goal involvements charts. The best player in the group stage.
Stats from sofascore.com & fotmob.com.
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Source: Footballtoday.com
