It is rare to hear lavish praise from Zlatan Ibrahimović, a figure known for his sharp wit and unshakable self-confidence. That is why his recent comments quickly caught the football world’s attention. The former AC Milan striker and ex-teammate of Lionel Messi at Barcelona surprised many by publicly identifying one of Messi’s sons as his natural heir on the pitch: Ciro Messi.

An Unexpected Praise in Miami

The moment took place in the United States during an under-8 tournament held in Miami, where Ciro Messi shone while representing Inter Miami. The youngest son of Lionel Messi finished as the competition’s top scorer, and it was Ibrahimović himself who presented him with the award—an image that quickly went viral across social media platforms.

Rather than limiting himself to a ceremonial gesture, Zlatan delivered a striking statement. “If you want to see a miniature version of Messi, you have to watch Ciro Messi,” the Swede said, expressing his belief that the young forward has the qualities to go far in the future. The comments carried extra weight given Ibrahimović’s reputation for rarely handing out compliments.

Enduring Respect Between Zlatan and Messi

Ibrahimović’s words are even more meaningful when recalling his time alongside Messi at Barcelona during the 2009–10 season. That dressing room was not without tension, particularly between the Swedish striker and Pep Guardiola, at a time when the team was increasingly built around Lionel’s role as a false nine.

Despite those challenges, Zlatan has never spoken ill of Messi. In his autobiography, he described the Argentine as the team’s true star—shy, kind, and uniquely gifted. He acknowledged that the shift in attacking leadership was inevitable and that Barcelona had become Messi’s team.

That respect now appears to extend to the next generation. Ciro Messi, already in his second season within Inter Miami’s youth ranks, is beginning to stand out not only because of his surname, but for his natural scoring instinct and presence inside the box.

A Legacy Beginning to Take Shape

While it is far too early to predict a professional future, the fact that a figure like Zlatan Ibrahimović has identified Ciro Messi as a potential heir to Lionel Messi has not gone unnoticed. Growing up in an environment like Inter Miami, supported by David Beckham and guided by his father’s influence, the young forward is developing under ideal conditions.

Time will determine whether Zlatan’s praise becomes a footnote or the opening chapter of a larger story. For now, one thing is clear: in Ibrahimović’s eyes, the Messi legacy already has a name—and it is taking its first steps on the youth fields of Miami.

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