Lionel Messi names Chelsea, Liverpool & Brighton players in 10 of world’s best young fotballers

Young Premier League stars are among those chosen, likely gaining a confidence boost from being acknowledged by someone widely regarded as the GOAT.

Liverpool’s 17-year-old prospect Rio Ngumoha features on Messi’s list, alongside Chelsea’s midfield talent Andrey Santos.

One more Chelsea player received recognition from the Inter Miami icon—Kendry Paez, currently on loan at Strasbourg, is also included.

Rounding out the Premier League names, Brighton’s German midfielder Brajan Gruda has been identified as one of the top young players.

Messi’s other male selections include Rodrigo Mora from Porto, Belgian forward Mika Godts of Ajax, Como’s Nico Paz, and Renne’s teenage talent Kader Meite.

Among the female athletes, Messi spotlighted Lyon’s Lily Yohannes and Barcelona’s Clara Serrajordi as future stars.

This isn’t the first occasion Messi has highlighted rising talent, though his previous picks haven’t always proven accurate.

Back in 2015, he named 10 players who ultimately didn’t live up to the expectations.

Those earlier selections were: Accursio Bentivegna, Marcos Lopes, Kenedy, Maxwel Cornet, Jeremie Boga, James Wilson, Timo Werner, Gyasi Zardes, Khiry Shelton, and Aleksey Miranchuk.

At 38, Messi revealed this week that the Lionel Messi Cup will debut in Miami this December, featuring eight under-16 teams.

Chelsea and Manchester City will participate, along with Barcelona, Newell’s Old Boys, Inter Milan, River Plate, Atletico Madrid, and Inter Miami.

He wrote on Instagram: ‘Thrilled to finally share this with you.

‘This December, Miami will host a very special youth football tournament featuring some of the top clubs from around the world.

‘The future of the game will be on full display, and it’s more than just matches – we’ve got an incredible few days planned with lots of other exciting activities.

‘This is about the next generation. Hope you like it!’