Lionel Messi Sends Borussia Dortmund Prodigy Youssoufa Moukoko A Birthday Present

Lionel Messi sent Borussia Dortmund prodigy Youssoufa Moukoko a present for his 15th birthday.

Moukoko took to Instagram to thank the Barcelona star for sending a personalised picture to the Dortmund training ground for him.

He posted:

"Oh my god! Got this as a gift from my idol. Many thanks, Leo Messi. Thanks for all your birthday wishes,"

Moukoko has seen his profile in world football rise over the last year after impressing in the Dortmund academy.

The Cameroonian wonderkid is breaking boundaries at every youth level and even made his U-17 debut at the age of 12.

He's currently averaging a goal every 54 minutes in this Bundesliga U19 season.

It works out as 18 goals in his first 11 games of the campaign.

He also managed to net six in his debut for Dortmund's U-19 side back in August.

Coach Michael Skibbe discussed Moukoko's development after he netted six and he has no doubt he'll make it to a professional level.

"The boy will one day become a professional. That's as safe as the amen in the church. Only injuries could stop him." Skibbe told welt.de.

"Youssoufa is a totally relaxed guy, who handles his hype extremely cool. He has established himself very well so far and was an excellent fit in our team."

The fact that he has had a present sent to him by Messi shows that the 32-year-old has clearly seen his talents.

Messi is Moukoko's idol but it hasn't stopped him copying Cristiano Ronaldo's celebration in the past.

The celebration came after a lovely goal which saw him drive at the keeper and slide it home.

Perhaps the gifts could be an endorsement for the young talent from one of the world's best players.

Should Moukoko continue in his current form, then other clubs from around Europe will likely watch his development over the coming years.