The 2026 World Cup concluded with differing opinions on its best player. FIFA awarded the honor to Rodri Hernández, recognizing his performance throughout the tournament. However, the International Federation of Football History & Statistics (IFFHS) selected Lionel Messi as the standout player. This discrepancy stems from the use of different evaluation methodologies by the two organizations. The IFFHS utilized a statistical approach to assess player performance. While both players had strong showings, their recognition highlights a divergence in judging criteria post-tournament. It raises questions about objective player evaluation in football.