Arsenal are rumoured to be closing in on the signature of Maximiliano Romero – an Argentine forward, who at the age of just 16-years-old has been dubbed the ‘new Lionel Messi’.
However, as this list shows – not many who take on such recognition live up to the hype and expectation that comes with comparisons to the Barcelona superstar.
Take a look at these 12 players, as reported by the Mirror, that have been likened to the Argentina magician…
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Maximiliano Romero
According to ESPN, Arsenal are close to sealing the signature of the Velez Sarsfield star.
Though as more of an orthodox forward, the only real similarity Romero has to Messi is his nationality – yet the Argentine could yet prove us wrong.
Claudio Nancufil
The 8-year-old – yes you read that correct – was nicknamed the ‘Snow Messi’.
The youngster was on the radar of top clubs – including Manchester United and Chelsea – in 2013, according to the Mirror, after wowing with his stunning skill for his junior club in Argentina.
However, since the links to top clubs, nothing has been heard on him since…
Juan Manuel Iturbe
The 21-year-old caught the eye as a teen, earning himself a move to Serie A outfit AS Roma last summer in a huge €22m move, but is yet to live up to the high price tag.
What’s more, despite Diego Maradona taking the forward to the 2010 World Cup with Argentina, he’s still to win his first senior cap.
Mario Gotze
The German has often been compared to the Argentine magician, and, while the Bayern Munich star is certainly no Messi, having scored the winner against Argentina in the 2014 World Cup final, he boasts one trophy the Barca star may never get his hands on.
Jose Angel Pozo
Manchester City paid £2.4m for the 19-year-old, and the Spaniard – dubbed ‘the mini Messi’ – was handed his first start by Manuel Pellegrini in the win over Leicester City in December.
One to watch out for…
Ryan Gauld
Labelled ‘the baby Messi’ – the former Dundee United ace was chased by a number of top clubs, eventually sealing a transfer to Sporting CP – but comparisons to the Argentine dwindled following the move.
Take Kubo
Kubo is one of the players responsible for Barcelona’s transfer ban, and the FIFA ruling has meant that players outside of the EU, such as Kubo, haven’t been allowed to play.
The 13-year-old’s career at the Camp Nou is already over, leaving the club to return to Japan, and we might never hear again of the wonderkid.
Sardar Azmoun
The future is bleak for Azmoun – having been loaned out by Rubin Kazan to relegation-threatened Rostov, the Iranian is failing to make an impact on the pitch, despite the Messi comparisons.
Lorenzo Insigne
The Napoli winger is a clear talent, and with the 23-year-old already playing in the Champions League, he could become a highly sought after forward – if he can put injury problems behind him.
Zak Gilsenan
There are high hopes that the 9-year-old ‘Irish Messi’ could become a future star at a top European club, having been linked to Liverpool (via the Liverpool Echo) – and the youngster is eligible to play for England…
Alan Dzagoev
A big name in Moscow, but as talented as he may be – he’s not on the same level as the Argentine magician Lionel Messi, and his playing experience is limited to Russia.
Christian Atsu
The Chelsea winger hasn’t made an impact at Stamford Bridge, and has been loaned out to Everton for the current campaign.
The 23-year-old could yet become a Premier League ace, but his performances suggest otherwise – even if he has been called the ‘African Messi’.
