Lionel Messi picks 10 rising stars as the ‘next chapter’ begins
Lionel Messi is often called the greatest footballer ever, and many fans point to his eight Ballon d’Or awards as proof. So, when Messi picks 10 players he thinks could be future stars in the sport, fans definitely want to listen.
Recently, Messi teamed up with Adidas again to share his list, just like he did twice before. The 39-year-old just played his final game for Argentina in a friendly against Benin, with fans giving him a heartfelt farewell. This marks the end of an era, and football lovers will miss seeing Messi on the field. But he’s easing the sadness by naming players who might take the spotlight in the years ahead.
One familiar name is Max Dowman from Arsenal and England. Although he’s only played 15 games for Arsenal, his skill and energy in attack have impressed many. He also won a Premier League title last season and earned the Premier League Home Grown Debutant of the Season award.
Another English player on the list is Chloe Sarwie from Chelsea. Though she has made just seven senior appearances, the 17-year-old has shined at youth international level and played at the U-20 World Cup for England.
Crystal Palace fans might know Zavier Gozo, who made his Premier League debut against Man City. The 19-year-old also represented the USA internationally this year.
Messi included just one Argentine player on the list: 19-year-old Tomas Aranda from Boca Juniors. He’s in his first senior season with 14 appearances and has already played for Argentina’s national team, catching Messi’s eye during a match against the USA.
Another big name is Gilberto Mora, a 17-year-old who stood out for Mexico at the World Cup, playing four times. Can Uzan, who plays for Eintracht Frankfurt and Turkey, made 64 Bundesliga appearances over three seasons and scored 19 goals, though Turkey had a tough World Cup.
The list also features Kees Smit from AZ Alkmaar, who debuted for the Netherlands this year, and Jesus Rodriguez, playing under Messi’s old teammate Cesc Fabregas at Como.
For the women, there’s Lotta Wrede from Hamburger SV and Giovanna Waksman, currently at Lyon.
Last year, Messi named Liverpool’s Rio Ngumoha as a future star, and he’s proven to be right. Ngumoha has become a key player for Liverpool and scored the club’s youngest-ever goal in May 2025.
Other players from Messi’s previous lists include Andrey Santos, who moved from Chelsea to Manchester United, and Kendry Paez, currently on loan at River Plate but a regular for Ecuador since 2023.
Messi clearly has a great eye for talent when it comes to spotting the next generation of football stars!