Lionel Messi has achieved almost everything a footballer could dream of during his illustrious career. Having won the World Cup, the Copa América and numerous club honours, the Argentina captain is now turning his attention to the next generation of talent. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has selected ten promising footballers who could make a significant impact on the future of the game.
The selections were reported by Goal.com on Monday, 12 October, as part of the third season of Adidas’s ‘Messi +10’ campaign. The initiative aims to spotlight emerging footballers from different countries and highlight the potential of a new generation poised to shape the sport in the years ahead.
Among those selected is Tomás Aranda, a young playmaker at Argentine club Boca Juniors. His technical ability and creative approach to the game have attracted attention, while his inclusion on Messi’s list is likely to generate particular interest among Argentine supporters.
Aranda’s talent has also drawn attention from Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni. The youngster was included in the squad for a pre-World Cup friendly tour, underlining the growing interest in his development.
However, Aranda is currently sidelined with a fractured fibula in his right leg and is undergoing rehabilitation. His recovery will be important as he works towards returning to competitive football. Being recognised by Messi at this stage of his career could provide an additional source of encouragement, although his long-term prospects will depend on his progress, fitness and performances on the pitch.
The list extends well beyond Argentina, reflecting the international nature of the campaign. It includes Turkish forward Can Uzun, who plays for German club Eintracht Frankfurt, Mexican prospect Gilberto Mora of Tijuana, and England’s Max Dowman, a young talent associated with Arsenal.
Mora has also attracted reported interest from prominent European clubs, with Real Madrid and Barcelona among the names mentioned in media coverage. Such interest reflects the attention surrounding emerging talent, although reported links do not necessarily indicate that a transfer is imminent.
Dowman’s inclusion adds another English prospect to the selection. The list also features Xavier Gozo of the United States, Jesús Rodríguez of Spain and Kees Smit of the Netherlands. Their presence highlights the campaign’s international reach, bringing together young players from different footballing backgrounds and development systems.
A notable feature of Messi’s selection is its inclusion of women’s football. Rather than concentrating exclusively on the men’s game, the campaign also recognises three emerging female talents: Chloe Saruwi of England, Giovanna Waksman of Brazil and Lotta Wrede of Germany.
Their inclusion gives the initiative a broader perspective, acknowledging the development of young players across both sides of the sport. As women’s football continues to attract growing attention internationally, recognising promising players at an early stage can help bring their achievements and potential to a wider audience.
Messi’s Ten Selected Football Talents
- Tomás Aranda — Argentina, Boca Juniors
- Can Uzun — Turkey, Eintracht Frankfurt
- Gilberto Mora — Mexico, Tijuana
- Max Dowman — England, Arsenal
- Xavier Gozo — United States, Crystal Palace
- Jesús Rodríguez — Spain, Como 1907
- Kees Smit — Netherlands, AZ Alkmaar
- Chloe Saruwi — England, Chelsea
- Giovanna Waksman — Brazil, OL Lyon
- Lotta Wrede — Germany, Hamburger SV
Messi’s choices offer a snapshot of the young talent attracting attention across international football. For the selected players, recognition through a campaign associated with one of the sport’s most celebrated figures could provide valuable exposure and encouragement as they continue developing their careers.
Yet potential alone does not guarantee success at the highest level. Consistent performances, professional discipline, physical development and the ability to overcome setbacks all play important roles in determining whether a promising youngster becomes an established star.
Aranda’s current injury is a reminder of the challenges young footballers can face on their way to the top. For all ten players, the coming years will be crucial in turning early promise into sustained achievement.
Messi’s selections do not predict precisely who will dominate world football in the future. Instead, they draw attention to a diverse group of emerging talents whose progress will be worth following as the next chapter of the sport unfolds.
