Lionel Messi Highlights 10 Rising Football Stars to Watch
Lionel Messi has spotlighted Arsenal youngster Max Dowman among ten promising men’s and women’s football players he believes will rise to stardom.
The legendary forward recently retired from international football, ending his Argentina career with 126 goals in 208 appearances. His final match saw him score a penalty in a 3-0 friendly victory over Benin. After leading Argentina to World Cup glory in 2022, Messi closed an illustrious chapter and now looks toward the future generation.
Timeline of Key Moments
- July 2026: Spain defeats Argentina 1-0 after extra time in the World Cup final.
- August 2026: Messi announces retirement from international play.
- October 2026: Adidas releases a tribute video celebrating Messi’s career ahead of his farewell game.
- October 2026: Messi scores in his last Argentina appearance, a 3-0 win over Benin.
Many young talents are eager to follow Messi’s footsteps. Narrowing down such a vast pool is tough, but Messi shared his picks with Adidas in a video highlighting ten players poised for greatness.
English Talent in Messi’s Future Stars List
Among those recognized is 16-year-old Max Dowman from Arsenal, already making waves in the Premier League. He impressed fans by scoring after coming off the bench in a 2-0 win over Everton last season. Dowman holds records as the youngest top-flight scorer and earned the Premier League's Home Grown Debutant of the Season award.
Another English player on the list is Chelsea’s Chloe Sarwie, a 17-year-old defender praised for her role in the Women's Super League and at England youth levels. Sarwie debuted in October 2025 and is expected to become a key figure for the Lionesses.
Other Promising Names Messi Endorsed
- Zavier Gozo (Crystal Palace, USA, 19) - Recently broke into senior football and has represented the USA internationally.
- Gilberto Mora (Tijuana, Mexico, 17) - Made an impact during the World Cup and is linked with European clubs like Liverpool.
- Tomas Aranda (Boca Juniors, Argentina, 19) - Already capped for Argentina and a rising midfield talent.
- Can Uzun (Eintracht Frankfurt, Turkey, 20) - Scored in World Cup and has started the Bundesliga season strongly with four goals and three assists in six matches.
- Kees Smit (AZ Alkmaar, Netherlands, 20) - Compared to Kevin De Bruyne for his composure and passing skills.
- Jesus Rodriguez (Como, Spain, 20) - Turning heads in Serie A and a Spanish U21 regular.
- Lotta Wrede (Hamburger SV, Germany, 18) - A versatile attacker proving tough to handle in the German league.
- Giovanna Waksman (Lyon, Brazil, 17) - Brazilian midfielder admired for her talent.
Messi’s 10 Future Stars of Football
- 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
