Messi Picks 10 Future Football Stars: Who Made the List?

Argentine superstar Lionel Messi has highlighted ten promising young footballers representing the next generation of the sport. Seven young male players and three female players have been featured in the third season of the 'Messi +10' campaign by the sports equipment manufacturer Adidas. The list comprises talents poised to shine in international football in the future.
This information was reported on Monday (October 12) by the football news outlet Goal.com. Adidas had previously revealed the selected players for their new campaign on Sunday.

A standout name on Messi's list is Tomás Aranda, a young playmaker from the traditional Argentine club Boca Juniors. He has already gained recognition as a promising talent in Argentine football thanks to his ball control, creativity, and playmaking abilities on the pitch.
Aranda's potential has also caught the eye of Argentina national team coach Lionel Scaloni, who included him in the squad for a friendly match tour prior to the 2026 World Cup. The youngster even had the opportunity to spend time with Messi during national team training sessions.
However, Aranda is currently sidelined due to injury; he is undergoing rehabilitation after fracturing the fibula bone in his right leg. Being named among the talents selected by Messi is considered a significant milestone in his career.
Also included in the list are 16-year-old Max Dowman from the English club Arsenal, Turkish footballer Can Uzun from the German club Eintracht Frankfurt, and Gilberto Mora from the Mexican club Tijuana.
There is particular interest from major European clubs regarding the Mexican talent Gilberto Mora. According to media reports, Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona are among the clubs keen to sign him. Additionally, the USA's Javier Gozo, Spain's Jesus Rodriguez, and the Netherlands' Kees Smit have also secured spots among the young talents selected by Messi.
This Adidas initiative has prioritized not only boys' football but also talents from women's football. The three selected female footballers are England's Chloe Sarwi, Brazil's Giovanna Waksman, and Germany's Lota Vrede.
The 10 future footballers selected by Messi:
1. Tomas Aranda — Argentina, Boca Juniors
2. Can Uzun — Turkey, Eintracht Frankfurt
3. Gilberto Mora — Mexico, Tijuana
4. Max Dowman — England, Arsenal
5. Javier Gozo — USA, Crystal Palace
6. Jesus Rodriguez — Spain, Como 1907
7. Kees Smit — Netherlands, AZ Alkmaar
8. Chloe Sarwi — England, Chelsea
9. Giovanna Waksman — Brazil, OL Lyon
10. Lota Vrede — Germany, Hamburger SV
Adidas's 'Messi +10' initiative launched in January 2025. In the first season, Messi offered advice on handling the pressures of professional football to 10 young players, including Barcelona's Lamine Yamal.
Subsequently, in the second season—held in October of the same year—rising talents such as Nico Paz, Rio Ngumoha, and Andrey Santos were included.
Now, in the third season, Adidas has once again highlighted talents from the new generation. It remains to be seen how successful these players selected by Messi will be in the future.