Lionel Messi Highlights 10 Rising Stars in Men’s and Women’s Football

After retiring from international football, Lionel Messi has identified 10 young players he believes will shine on the global football stage. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner played his last game for Argentina recently, scoring a penalty in a 3-0 friendly win over Benin. He finished his international career with 126 goals in 208 appearances, including seven goals during Argentina’s victorious 2022 World Cup campaign.

With Messi stepping away, a new generation aims to follow his footsteps, and the 39-year-old forward has shared his picks of promising talents.

Messi’s Key Moments Timeline

• July 2026: Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 after extra time in the World Cup final.
• August 2026: Messi announced his retirement from international football post-World Cup loss.
• October 2026: Adidas released a tribute video honoring Messi's career ahead of his farewell match.
• October 2026: Messi scored a penalty in his final Argentina appearance, sealing a 3-0 win against Benin.

English Prospects Among Messi’s Future Stars

Messi collaborated with Adidas to reveal a list of 10 men’s and women’s players he supports to reach superstardom. English talents feature prominently, including Arsenal's 16-year-old wonderkid Max Dowman. Already integrated into Mikel Arteta’s senior squad, Dowman made an impact by scoring off the bench in Arsenal’s 2-0 victory over Everton last season. He became the youngest goalscorer in Premier League history and earned the Home Grown Debutant of the Season award.

Chloe Sarwie of Chelsea’s women’s team also caught Messi’s eye. The 17-year-old defender has quickly risen through the ranks, playing a key role for England’s youth sides and earning a spot in the U20 World Cup squad. Born in Lambeth, Sarwie debuted for Chelsea’s first team in October 2025 and is poised to become a mainstay for the Lionesses.

Other Rising Talents Messi Endorsed

The list also includes American midfielder Zavier Gozo, who broke into Crystal Palace’s first team this season and has represented the USA under Mauricio Pochettino. Mexican attacker Gilberto Mora impressed at the recent World Cup on home soil, playing four matches for Mexico at age 17. European clubs, including Liverpool, have begun scouting him.

Argentine midfielder Tomas Aranda, 19, earned his first cap in June during a 2-0 win over Honduras and is expected to make a move to Europe soon. Turkish striker Can Uzun, 20, scored during Turkey’s World Cup campaign and has been in excellent form for Eintracht Frankfurt this season, tallying four goals and three assists in six games.

Dutch midfielder Kees Smit, 20, stayed with AZ Alkmaar despite interest from Real Madrid and Premier League clubs. His style has drawn comparisons to Kevin De Bruyne for his calmness and passing skills. Spanish winger Jesus Rodriguez, also 20, has attracted attention with Como in Serie A and already has 10 caps for Spain’s U21 team.

German attacker Lotta Wrede, 18, has been making life difficult for defenders at Hamburger SV, while Brazilian midfielder Giovanna Waksman, 17, has impressed at Lyon, gaining a place on Messi’s watchlist.

Messi’s 10 Future Football Stars

• Max Dowman – Arsenal, England, 16
• Chloe Sarwie – Chelsea, England, 17
• Zavier Gozo – Crystal Palace, United States, 19
• Tomas Aranda – Boca Juniors, Argentina, 19
• Gilberto Mora – Tijuana, Mexico, 17
• Can Uzun – Eintracht Frankfurt, Turkey, 20
• Kees Smit – AZ Alkmaar, Netherlands, 20
• Jesus Rodriguez – Como, Spain, 20
• Lotta Wrede – Hamburger SV, Germany, 18
• Giovanna Waksman – Lyon, Brazil, 17