5 players who could continue Lionel Messi's legacy

FIFA Ballon d'Or Gala 2015
FIFA Ballon d'Or Gala 2015

The greatest player to have played the game, Lionel Messi has wowed fans with his incredible ability on the ball as well as his penchant of creating something out of nothing. Lionel Messi's talent is other-worldly, and there is no player who seems likely to replace him in the long run.

However, Lionel Messi is now 34, and there will come a time when he will have to stop. But when that happens, Barcelona and Argentina will have a tough time replacing their talisman.

On that note, here's a look at five players who could take over Lionel Messi's legacy.


#5 Dani Olmo (RB Leipzig)

Like Lionel Messi, Dani Olmo has graduated from La Masia.
Like Lionel Messi, Dani Olmo has graduated from La Masia.

Dani Olmo enjoyed a good Euro 2020 campaign, with his performance against Italy in the semi-final earning him plaudits.

Olmo's career has been unconventional so far. A product of Barcelona's famed La Masia academy, Olmo joined Croatian club Dinamo Zagreb in 2015, where he thrived. The midfielder was heavily linked with a return to Barcelona, but decided to join RB Leipzig in January 2020 for nearly £20 million.

The 23-year old is a highly intelligent player and has excellent creative ability. Olmo is a versatile player who is capable of operating in midfield and in advanced areas. He was one of the better players in the Bundesliga last season. The Spain international made 26 league starts, scoring five goals and providing nine assists. Barcelona have once again been linked with him.


#4 Kai Havertz (Chelsea)

Kai Havertz could emulate Lionel Messi's exploits.
Kai Havertz could emulate Lionel Messi's exploits.

Linked with some of the biggest clubs in the world after an excellent 2019-20 season with Bayer Leverkusen, Kai Havertz joined Chelsea for £72 million.

A prodigious talent, Havertz endured a mixed debut season with the Premier League giants. The 22-year-old made 18 Premier League starts, scoring four goals and providing three assists.

His performances markedly improved after the arrival of Thomas Tuchel, and he scored the only goal of the game in the Champions League final against Manchester City.

Havertz is capable of playing in midfield and in attacking positions. The Germany international has often operated as a false 9 and is left-footed. A physically and technically gifted player, Havertz has all the tools to become one of the best in the world.

Also Read: Fabrizio Romano's Transfer Roundup: Update on Manchester United's transfer plans, Barca's plan for Antoine Griezmann, and more.

#3 Pedri (Barcelona)

Pedri has drawn high praise from Lionel Messi.
Pedri has drawn high praise from Lionel Messi.

While he is not a prolific goalscorer like Lionel Messi, Pedri is arguably one of the best midfielders in the game, based on current form.

The 18-year-old was Spain's star at Euro 2020 and did little wrong throughout the tournament. An excellent passer, technically gifted and a mature performer, Pedri was included in the UEFA European Championship Team of the Tournament. He was also awarded the UEFA European Championship Young Player of the Tournament.

Pedri thrives in a free role and often switches between central positions and the wings. The Spain international is a superstar in the making, so Barcelona have a gem in their hands.


#2 Neymar (Paris Saint-Germain)

Neymar idolises his good friend Lionel Messi
Neymar idolises his good friend Lionel Messi

Long touted as Lionel Messi's successor, Neymar is one of the best players in the world and has achieved a lot in the game.

Lionel Messi and Neymar enjoy an excellent relationship, with the duo having played together at Barcelona. The Brazil international shares a few similarities with Messi as far as their styles of play are concerned. Both players are excellent dribblers, creators and goalscorers.

Neymar was criticised for leaving Barcelona to join Paris Saint-Germain, but the 29-year-old has done well in France so far. More is expected from the Brazilian superstar, though. His new contract with the Ligue 1 giants is a sign that the Parisians see Neymar as central to their project.


#1 Ansu Fati (Barcelona)

Ansu Fati
Ansu Fati

Since making his debut for Barcelona in 2019, Ansu Fati has been named by many as Lionel Messi's successor at club level.

The 18-year-old has thrived since bursting onto the scene. In 43 appearances in all competitions, Fati has scored 13 goals and provided five assists. During the early part of last season, it was often Pedri and Fati who shone for Barcelona, as Messi endured an unusually slow start to his campaign.

The Spain international is currently nursing an injury and has been out for some time. Barcelona will hope Fati comes back fully fit and reinvigorated and produces key contributions next season.


Also Read: Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Robert Lewandowski and N'Golo Kante - Who actually deserves the Ballon d'Or this year?

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Edited by Bhargav
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