Argentina and Barcelona legend Lionel Messi has unveiled a list of ten players he believes are the future stars of world football — with talents from Chelsea and Liverpool making the cut.
As part of Adidas’ Messi+10: Season 2 campaign, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner highlighted young prospects he considers the next big names in the game.
Liverpool’s Rio Ngumoha and Chelsea duo Andrey Santos and Kendry Páez were among those named by the Inter Miami forward. Messi also included Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Brajan Gruda on the list.
Other players selected are Nico Paz (Como), Rodrigo Mora (Porto), Mika Godts (Ajax Amsterdam), and Kader Meïté (Stade Rennes).
Messi also recognised two female players — Barcelona’s Clara Serrajordi and Olympique Lyon’s Lily Yohannes — as part of the emerging global talents.
The football icon made a similar selection in 2024, which featured Lamine Yamal, Antonio Nusa, and Kenan Yildiz.
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