Messi’s Unexpected Third Choice Shines in 2026 Kopa Trophy Ballot
Messi’s ballot for the 2026 Kopa Trophy unveiled
Following the Ballon d’Or gala, L’Equipe disclosed the voting sheet of Lionel Messi, one of the 27 former Ballon d’Or winners who form the jury for the Kopa Trophy. The award, presented each year to the most outstanding player under 21, is decided by a points system – five points for the first choice, three for the second and one for the third.
The top two selections
Consistent with expectations, Messi placed Spanish winger Lamine Yamal at the top of his list. Yamal, who represents Barcelona, secured the trophy after a close contest with his teammate Cubarsi, who finished as the runner‑up. Both players have become emblematic of the new generation that is reshaping elite football.
A surprise third pick: Ibrahim Maza
The most striking element of Messi’s ballot was his third selection – Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Ibrahim Maza. The 20‑year‑old Algerian was the sole candidate in the entire jury to receive a point from Messi, which placed him ninth overall in the final ranking. That single point put Maza ahead of Johan Manzambi and just behind Eli Junior Kroupi.
- Leverkusen season: 3 goals and 3 assists in 11 appearances.
- Historic note: first Algerian ever to break into the top ten of the Kopa Trophy candidates.
World Cup link adds extra meaning
The vote carries an additional layer of significance because Maza met Messi on the field during the opening match of the 2026 World Cup in Kansas City. Argentina triumphed 3‑0, with Messi completing a hat‑trick. Despite the heavy defeat, Maza impressed with a creative spark, setting up a goal for fellow Algerian Fares Chaibi that was later ruled out for off‑side. Messi’s recognition of a player who featured on the opposite side of that decisive encounter underscores his appreciation for emerging talent, regardless of the result.
Yamal’s third consecutive triumph
Lamine Yamal clinched the Kopa Trophy for the third year in a row, having previously won in 2024 and 2025. His consistent performances for Barcelona, combined with his decisive impact in key moments, have cemented his status as the benchmark for young excellence. Cubarsi secured second place, while French forward Warren Zaire‑Emery rounded out the podium in third.
How the Kopa Trophy works
The Kopa Trophy is awarded based on three criteria, in order of priority: individual brilliance and decisiveness, overall impression left on the pitch, and then team achievements, titles, class and fair play. Former Ballon d’Or winners each submit a three‑player shortlist, allocating five, three and one point respectively. The cumulative totals decide the winner.
What Messi’s vote means for Maza
Receiving a point from one of the sport’s all‑time greats does not merely add a statistic to Maza’s résumé; it provides a narrative boost. The Algerian midfielder now carries a story that links his World Cup performance, his breakthrough season in Germany, and the endorsement of a legend who witnessed his talent first‑hand.
For fans, Messi’s ballot highlights the depth of the current crop of young players and reminds us that the next generation is already making its mark on the biggest stages.
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