The Chosen Ones: The prodigies carrying the ultimate football endorsement from Messi

Lionel Messi has identified 10 promising young male and female players expected to shape the future of world football as part of a new Adidas promotional campaign.

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A glimpse into the future

According to Argentine network TyC Sports, the global sportswear brand released a campaign focused on the sport's upcoming stars, guided by Messi's endorsement.

The promotional material introduced the initiative with a clear statement:

"10 chapters rewriting the future of the game... This is a story that has just begun"

The list highlights top emerging prospects across both men's and women's football drawing attention to players already making an impact at youth or senior levels.

Messi's chosen talents

Among the prominent names selected is Boca Juniors prospect Tomas Aranda. The Argentine starlet caught Messi's attention during the national team's recent preparation camp where the senior squad played a series of friendlies ahead of the World Cup 2026.

The comprehensive list features talents from various top tier academies and clubs in Europe and the Americas:

• Tomas Aranda (Argentina / Boca Juniors)
• Can Uzun (Turkey / Eintracht Frankfurt)
• Gilberto Mora (Mexico / Club Tijuana)
• Max Dowman (England / Arsenal)
• Zavier Gozo (United States / Crystal Palace)
• Jesus Rodriguez (Spain / Como 1907)
• Kees Smit (Netherlands / AZ Alkmaar)
• Chloe Sarwie (England / Chelsea Women)
• Giovanna Waksman (Brazil / Olympique Lyonnais Women)
• Lotta Wrede (Germany / Hamburger SV Women)

Being handpicked by an eight-time Ballon d'Or winner brings significant global attention to these young athletes. While some are already navigating their respective first-team environments, others are still developing within youth academies.

Their progress will now be closely monitored by fans and media as they attempt to fulfill the high expectations set by Messi's public endorsement.

Khaled Hegazy |

Editorar, en

Journaliste sportif spécialisé dans la couverture du football et la création de contenu numérique, alliant expérience éditoriale et expertise des médias sociaux.

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