As Lionel Messi closes the curtain on his international career, he's already looking ahead. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner has teamed up with Adidas for the third season of Messi +10, a project that spotlights ten rising stars he believes will carry football into its next era. It's a move that feels both nostalgic and forward-looking—a legend passing the torch to the next generation.
The announcement comes on the heels of Messi's emotional farewell match with Argentina, a moment that resonated across the Americas. For fans in Buenos Aires, Rosario, and beyond, it's a reminder that while the GOAT may be stepping back, the pipeline of talent from the region remains as vibrant as ever.
A roster that spans the globe
This year's list is a true reflection of football's global reach. Seventeen-year-old Gilberto Mora, who has been turning heads with Tijuana in Liga MX, represents México's bright future. Argentine fans will be watching Tomás Aranda, a 19-year-old forward who broke through at Boca Juniors and recently made his senior international debut. The English game is well represented by Arsenal's Max Dowman and Chelsea's Chloe Sarwie, while the United States has a stake in Crystal Palace's Zavier Gozo.
The list also includes Turkey's Can Uzan from Eintracht Frankfurt, Dutch midfielder Kees Smit of AZ Alkmaar, and Italy-based playmaker Jesús Rodríguez, who's developing under Cesc Fàbregas. Women's football is equally celebrated with Lotta Wrede of Hamburger SV and Lyon's Giovanna Waksman.
What stands out is the diversity—not just in nationality, but in playing styles. From Mora's dribbling flair to Aranda's clinical finishing, these are players who embody the creativity and grit that define Latin American football, while also reflecting the tactical evolution happening in Europe's top academies.
Messi's eye for talent
This isn't just a publicity stunt. Messi's previous selections have already proven their worth. Liverpool winger Rio Ngumoha, named in an earlier edition, has become a key attacking option in the Premier League, setting club records along the way. That track record gives weight to these new picks—when Messi speaks, the football world listens.
For young players, being chosen by Messi is more than a badge of honor; it's a validation of years of sacrifice. As Messi's farewell moments showed, his influence extends far beyond the pitch. He's a cultural touchstone for millions of Latinos who grew up watching him defy logic with a ball at his feet.
The initiative also bridges generations. Messi's rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo defined an era, and now he's helping shape what comes next. It's a passing of the torch that feels especially poignant for fans who remember his early days at Barcelona, a journey that began with a $900 monthly gamble that changed soccer forever.
What this means for the future
As these ten players continue their development across elite leagues, the football community will be watching closely. Will they live up to the hype? History suggests that Messi's endorsements carry weight. But more importantly, this project highlights the depth of talent emerging from Latin America and beyond—a reminder that the sport's future is in good hands.
For the bicultural Latino audience, this is a story of pride and anticipation. Whether it's Mora's rise in México or Aranda's journey from La Bombonera, these are players who carry the hopes of their communities. And with Messi's seal of approval, they're already off to a flying start.
As the next chapter unfolds, one thing is certain: the legacy of Messi isn't just in the trophies he won, but in the stars he's helping to launch. And for fans across the Americas, that's a story worth following.
