Spanish trio dominates defense...

Messi tops playmaking category in FIFA strength rankings

Argentina captain Lionel Messi tops the playmaking category in the strength rankings issued by the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA), while a Spanish trio dominates the defense category ahead of the anticipated clash between the two countries in the 2026 World Cup final.

Argentina and Spain are preparing for a classic final on Sunday, as they occupy first and second place in the world rankings.

Argentina have won all seven of their World Cup matches and scored 19 goals thanks to their strong attack led by Messi, while Spain have conceded only one goal in nearly 700 minutes of play, achieving six consecutive wins.

Messi rose five places to surpass French winger Michael Olise in the playmaking ranking with 8.41 points compared to the French player's 8.23 points.

France captain Kylian Mbappe tops the attack category with 8.92 points, ahead of Messi who has 8.63 points, while Englishman Jude Bellingham is third with 8.22 points.

Spanish players dominate the defense category with four players in the top ten, as Rodri tops the standings with 8.03 points, followed by Pedro Porro second with 7.70 points, then Pau Cubarsi third with 7.50 points, with Aymeric Laporte in eighth place with 7.29 points.

In goalkeeping, Portuguese Diogo Costa continues to top the list with 8.73 points, ahead of Englishman Jordan Pickford with 8.10 points, while Pickford retains the lead in the footwork and possession category with 7.89 points, ahead of Spanish Unai Simon who has 7.40 points.