Lionel Messi Highlights 10 Rising Football Stars
Lionel Messi has identified Arsenal sensation Max Dowman among 10 promising young players in both men's and women's football expected to shine globally.
The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner recently ended his international career after captaining Argentina to a 3-0 victory against Benin, scoring a penalty in what was his last match for his country. Finishing with 126 goals in 208 appearances, including seven crucial strikes in Argentina's 2022 World Cup triumph, Messi has closed a legendary chapter.
Having achieved everything he dreamed of as a kid from Rosario, the sport now moves forward without one of its all-time greats. A fresh generation of talents is eager to rise, but narrowing down the list isn't easy — luckily, Messi has done it himself.
Timeline of Key Moments
- July 2026: Spain defeats Argentina 1-0 in extra time during the World Cup final.
- August 2026: Messi announces retirement from international football following the World Cup loss.
- October 2026: Adidas honors Messi with a tribute video ahead of his farewell match.
- October 2026: Messi scores a penalty in his final Argentina appearance, securing a 3-0 win over Benin.
Messi Names Promising English Players
In collaboration with Adidas, Messi shared a list featuring 10 young footballers poised for superstardom. Notably, he included England-based stars like Arsenal's Max Dowman, a 16-year-old regarded as one of the Premier League's brightest prospects. Already part of Mikel Arteta's senior squad, Dowman has impressed by scoring off the bench in Arsenal’s 2-0 victory over Everton last season. He holds the record as the youngest top-flight goalscorer and earned the Premier League Home Grown Debutant of the Season award.
Chelsea’s Chloe Sarwie, a 17-year-old defender, also made Messi’s list. Rising swiftly in the Women’s Super League, Sarwie is a key figure for England’s youth teams and has been named in the U20 squad for the upcoming World Cup. Born in Lambeth, she joined Chelsea at 10 and debuted in October 2025 during a 1-1 draw against FC Twente.
Other Notable Youngsters Messi Supports
Among other players, Messi highlighted American Zavier Gozo from Crystal Palace, who debuted at 19 this season and has already represented the USA under Mauricio Pochettino. Another is Mexican attacker Gilberto Mora, 17, who impressed during the recent World Cup and is linked to European clubs like Liverpool.
Argentine Tomas Aranda, 19, who earned his first cap in June, is also on the list. Turkish striker Can Uzun, 20, scored in Turkey’s World Cup campaign and is thriving at Eintracht Frankfurt with four goals and three assists in six Bundesliga games so far.
Kees Smit, a 20-year-old Dutch midfielder staying at AZ Alkmaar despite transfer rumors, is praised for his calmness and passing, drawing comparisons to Kevin De Bruyne. Meanwhile, Spanish winger Jesus Rodriguez, also 20, has drawn attention in Serie A and looks set for Spain's senior team after earning 10 U21 caps.
Complete List of Messi's 10 Future Stars
- Max Dowman - Arsenal - England - 16 years old
- Chloe Sarwie - Chelsea - England - 17 years old
- Zavier Gozo - Crystal Palace - United States - 19 years old
- Tomas Aranda - Boca Juniors - Argentina - 19 years old
- Gilberto Mora - Tijuana - Mexico - 17 years old
- Can Uzun - Eintracht Frankfurt - Turkey - 20 years old
- Kees Smit - AZ Alkmaar - Netherlands - 20 years old
- Jesus Rodriguez - Como - Spain - 20 years old
- Lotta Wrede - Hamburger SV - Germany - 18 years old
- Giovanna Waksman - Lyon - Brazil - 17 years old
German forward Lotta Wrede, 18, has proven a tough opponent for Hamburger SV, while Brazilian midfielder Giovanna Waksman, 17, has also caught Messi’s eye during her time at Lyon.
