Pedro Oliveira
We are getting closer and closer to facing the stark reality that the Argentine star’s career will not last forever, and at some point in the next few years, we will have to say goodbye to one of the most impressive and dominant figures in the history of the sport. Since then, no one will stop looking for Lionel Messi’s next successor.
While that happens, we bring you a list of 5 candidates that could be his heir or compete to be it, once La Pulga hangs up his boots once and for all.
5.- Leroy Sané – Bayern Munich
After a difficult period for the Franco-German following his recovery from a ligament injury in his right knee, his arrival at Bayern has re-established him as one of the most productive and dangerous players in Europe. After the first half of the season, he already has double digits in goals and assists, leading the German team.
Sané is a player capable of creating play in industrial quantities, and while he may not have the goalscoring aspect of Messi, his dribbling, shooting and passing ability is of the highest order. He could be the key player in Munich’s quest to regain their dominance in Europe, and at just 26 years of age, he is entering the prime of his career.
4.- Joao Felix – Atlético Madrid
Although he is the ace up the colchonero club’s sleeve, we have yet to see the best performance from the Portuguese star, who is becoming increasingly difficult to keep out of the lineup for Diego Simeone.
Similarly, Atletico Madrid’s current style limits the 22-year-old playmaker’s enormous potential, so perhaps we would have to see a change of direction at the Madrid club in order for Felix to reach the potential the club saw in him when they paid over €125 million for his transfer from Benfica in 2019.
Joao has all the tools to be a decade-defining player, and in terms of style, he could be one of the most similar to Lionel Messi, he just needs to find the right consistency and then not look back.
3.- Ansu Fati – FC Barcelona
Many hopes are placed on the shoulders of the jewel produced by the youth categories of the Catalan club. At 19, Fati is already Barcelona’s No. 10 and one of the pillars in the future of the Spanish national soccer team, and although he has already made his mark prematurely with impressive flashes of performance, he first needs to achieve something to continue his growth: stay healthy.
It is no secret that Fati suffered a torn meniscus in his left knee, for which he had to undergo surgery 4 times in 6 months to fix his injury. And although he was able to return to the field after such audacity, he has not yet found the necessary rhythm to reassure everyone about his physical condition.
In terms of talent, Fati is an extremely complete player, capable of contributing goals, speed and generating opportunities. More than capable of leading an offensive attack, as Messi did in his years with Barcelona, that is why we consider him as a possible candidate.
2.- Lautaro Martínez – Inter Milán
Arriving at the Italian club at just 20 years of age, he has become the main striker of the Neroazzurri offense, who after a decade without titles returned to regain the throne in Serie A in the 2020-2021 season, behind 19 goals and 7 assists from the Argentine striker.
El Toro is one of the most complete prospects in terms of play: he is capable of breaking lines with his speed, winning duels against center-backs with his good physique, lethality both in the air and with his feet, and ability to create opportunities for his teammates. Lautaro just needs a little more consistency to score goals, as he is one of the strikers who takes the most shots in Europe, but does not convert them.
Partner of Messi himself during the Copa America 2021, the first title with the Argentine national team for both of them, Martínez is one of the most important figures in the future of Argentine soccer and at the moment, he seems the closest candidate to replace Lionel.
1.- Erling Braut Haaland – Borussia Dortmund
The Norwegian burst onto the European soccer scene like a bullet thanks to his Champions League display while still with RB Salzburg (8 goals in 6 games). With his arrival at Borussia Dortmund, he has become the most sought-after player in all of Europe after continuing his growth, and there is currently no one at his age who can match his current performance and potential for the future (he scored 41 goals in the 2020-2021 season).
While Erling and Messi may not have many similarities in terms of their playing style, the similarity between the two lies in how decisive they are for their team: the 21-year-old manages to change the direction of their games with the slightest of moves. And in a team that can surround him with better talent, he will blossom into perhaps the most complete player in European soccer.
Given this potential, Haaland is the closest to taking Messi’s place as one of the stars of world soccer.
