Messi includes Ibrahim Maza in his Kopa Trophy 2026 vote

Lionel Messi included Ibrahim Maza’s name in his ballot for the Kopa Trophy 2026, the annual award for the best young player on the planet. The 20-year-old Algerian attacking midfielder from Bayer Leverkusen thus features in the Top 3 of the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner.

Messi placed Maza in third position, behind Spaniard Lamine Yamal (1st) and his teammate Pau Cubarsí (2nd). This vote earned him one point in the overall standings, where he finished in ninth place. The Kopa Trophy was won for the third consecutive time by Lamine Yamal.

Messi’s choice did not go unnoticed in Algeria, where several observers believed that the Bayer Leverkusen player deserved a better ranking given his season. His technical qualities, creativity and impact in tight spaces had earned him growing attention throughout the campaign.

The recognition from the Argentine legend carries particular significance for Maza, who had not hidden his admiration before facing Argentina at the 2026 World Cup. “I think it’s a pleasure and an honour for anyone to play in this tournament. And then, there’s one of the greatest idols of all players… Playing against Messi is a huge honour,” he had said. “It’s a great privilege to be able to see him in person, and that makes me really very happy.”

Beyond the final ranking, Messi’s vote constitutes a weighty symbolic endorsement for the Algerian international, whose progress in the German league continues to attract attention across Europe.