Lionel Messi Reveals 10 Future Stars He Believes Will Shape the Next Generation of Football

Football icon Lionel Messi has once again shared his eye for emerging talent, naming ten young players he believes are destined to become the next big stars in world football.

As part of his partnership with Adidas Football for the “Messi+10: Season 2” campaign, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner highlighted players he feels represent the future of the beautiful game — and his list includes names from Chelsea, Liverpool, and other European powerhouses.

Messi’s picks feature Liverpool’s Rio Ngumoha, Chelsea duo Andrey Santos and Kendry Páez, and Brighton’s Brajan Gruda, among others. The Argentine legend also included Nico Paz (Como), Rodrigo Mora (Porto), Mika Godts (Ajax), and Kader Meite (Stade Rennes).

Interestingly, Messi didn’t leave out the women’s game, adding Barcelona’s Clara Serrajordi and Olympique Lyon’s Lily Yohannes to his elite list — a nod to the growing prominence of women’s football.

This isn’t Messi’s first time spotlighting young talent. In 2024, he named the likes of Lamine Yamal, Antonio Nusa, and Kenan Yildiz — all of whom have since become key figures for their clubs and countries.

🌟 Opinion: When Messi Speaks, the Football World Listens

Messi’s endorsement isn’t just another celebrity shoutout — it’s practically a prophecy. When a player of his stature points to the next generation, the world takes notice. His latest list once again reflects his unmatched football IQ and his ability to recognize not just skill, but potential.

It’s fascinating to see how balanced his picks are — a mix of established prospects like Páez and Santos alongside lesser-known gems like Mora and Godts. The inclusion of female players also reinforces Messi’s respect for football as a universal game, not confined by gender or geography.

Perhaps what makes Messi’s selections so captivating is that they’re rarely wrong. Take Lamine Yamal, one of his previous picks, now dazzling at Barcelona and for Spain. If history repeats itself, we may be looking at another generation of stars soon to dominate global football — all spotted by the same man who once was that rising star himself.

Messi may be entering the twilight of his playing career, but even off the pitch, he continues to shape football’s future — one name at a time.