Lionel Messi picks 10 future stars as 'next chapter' is announced

Lionel Messi is arguably the greatest footballer to have ever played the sport, with many fans able to point to the eight Ballon d’Ors he has collected across his career as evidence in this debate.

So, when Messi names 10 players who could dominate the sport for years to come, fans will be inclined to stand up and listen.

Now, the Argentine has once again partnered with Adidas to do exactly that, having done so on two previous occasions.

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Lionel Messi’s 10 future stars who he deems are the ‘next chapter’ for football

The 39-year-old recently played his final game for Argentina, as the South American side beat Benin in a friendly with fans providing Messi an emotional send-off.

Such a send-off is signalling the end of an era, and football fans will have to prepare not to see Messi on the pitch in the coming years; however, it appears he is attempting to soften the blow by announcing the players he believes could have a major impact on the game, helping fill a gap left by his absence.

One of the names will be immediately recognisable to Arsenal and England fans, as Messi jotted down Max Dowman among his 10 future stars.

The Arsenal youngster has only made 15 appearances for the Gunners, but he has seriously impressed with his skilful and energetic approach in attack.

He has already claimed a Premier League title, as he made six appearances in the division last season, earning him the Premier League Home Grown Debutant of the Season award.

The other English player on the list is Chloe Sarwie, a Chelsea star who has made an impression in her first season with the club.

While she only made seven appearances at senior level, the 17-year-old has been a major figure at youth level with her international team, as she was named in the England U-20 squad for the World Cup.

Crystal Palace and Premier League fans may also be aware of Zavier Gozo, with the attacker making his debut against Man City this season. The 19-year-old has also made his international debut this year for the United States.

Messi only opted to name one compatriot in this list of 10, this being Tomas Aranda, who plays for Boca Juniors.

The 19-year-old is currently in his first season of senior football, and he has made 14 appearances. He has already made an appearance for the Argentina national team, and he must have left quite an impression on Messi in this match against the United States.

Gilberto Mora may be the biggest name on the list after he impressed at the World Cup, making four appearances for Mexico. The Tijuana star, despite only being 17 years old, played a key role for the North American nation.

Can Uzan also made his way to the World Cup with Turkiye, but it would be a disappointing tournament for the nation. The striker has also impressed across the last three seasons in the Bundesliga for Eintracht Frankfurt, scoring 19 goals in 64 matches.

The other two men named on the list were Kees Smit, who has been a key player for AZ Alkmaar for the last three seasons, making his Netherlands debut this year, and Jesus Rodriguez, who is starring at Como under Messi’s former teammate Cesc Fabregas.

Meanwhile, Lotta Wrede, who is a star for Hamburger SV, and Giovanna Waksman, currently playing at Lyon, were the other women named on the list.

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Lionel Messi names Liverpool and Manchester United youngsters in his list last season

The Argentina legend named Liverpool’s Rio Ngumoha on this list last year, and it appears to have shown that Messi knows what he is talking about regarding future stars.

The English winger has become a key part of the Liverpool squad and is one of the main attacking options this campaign for Andoni Iraola.

Ngumoha became the youngest scorer for the club after netting a late winner against Newcastle in May 2025.

Meanwhile, Andrey Santos was also named on the list. At the time, he was contracted to Chelsea; however, Michael Carrick would bring the midfielder to Old Trafford to strengthen the centre of the pitch for his side.

Chelsea player Kendry Paez was also named on this list; while he has not made an impression at Stamford Bridge, he is on loan at River Plate. However, it must be noted that he has been a constant in the Ecuador team since making his debut in 2023, earning 27 caps.