Lionel Messi Names Soccer’s 10 Future Stars: Gilberto Mora and Argentina’s Surprise Pick

Lionel Messi highlights 10 of the world’s top young soccer prospects, including Gilberto Mora and Argentina’s Tomás Aranda, while leaving out Franco Mastantuono and Nico Paz

Lionel Messi has turned the spotlight on the next generation of world soccer by selecting 10 young talents who could shape the future of the game. The list includes Mexican prospect Gilberto Mora, but leaves out two Argentine names frequently mentioned in discussions about the future of the Argentina national team: Franco Mastantuono and Nico Paz.

MESSI SPOTLIGHTS SOCCER’S NEXT GENERATION OF STARS

The selection is part of an Adidas campaign titled Ten Chapters That Rewrite the Future of the Game, in which the Argentina captain highlights players with international potential. The lineup features young talents from different countries and includes both men’s and women’s soccer.

Among those selected are players who are already beginning to make their mark at European clubs, as well as prospects looking to establish themselves with their respective teams. The list reflects a focus on emerging talent beyond the established superstars who currently dominate the international game.

GILBERTO MORA, MEXICO’S REPRESENTATIVE

One of the most notable names on the list is Gilberto Mora, the young star of Xolos de Tijuana. The Mexican midfielder has stood out for his technical ability, vision, and capacity to compete at a high level despite his young age.

His inclusion among Messi’s selections recognizes his potential and puts Mexican soccer back in the spotlight as a source of top international prospects. Mora shares the list with talented youngsters pursuing their careers in various European leagues.

TOMÁS ARANDA, ARGENTINA’S SURPRISE PICK

The biggest surprise for Argentina is Tomás Aranda, the Boca Juniors player who appears as the country’s only representative on the list. Born in 2007, the attacking midfielder stands out for his close control in tight spaces, dribbling ability, and knack for creating dangerous chances in the final third.

Aranda has already had the opportunity to train with the Argentina senior national team and shared part of the squad’s preparations with Messi. His inclusion carries added significance following the Rosario-born superstar’s farewell, as Argentina begins looking for new leaders to guide the Albiceleste into the next era.

MASTANTUONO AND NICO PAZ MISS OUT

Despite the high expectations surrounding Franco Mastantuono and Nico Paz, neither player made Messi’s list of 10 young talents. Both are regarded as important prospects for the future of Argentine soccer, but Messi’s selection is part of a specific campaign and should not be viewed as a definitive ranking of the world’s best young players.

The list also features Turkish prospect Can Uzun, English youngster Max Dowman, American talent Zavier Gozo, Spanish player Jesús Rodríguez, and Dutch midfielder Kees Smit. The women’s selection includes Chloe Sarwie, Giovanna Waksman, and Lotta Wrede—three young players Messi is also helping bring into the spotlight as potential stars of the future.

KEY TAKEAWAYS: MESSI’S PICKS FOR SOCCER’S NEXT GENERATION

• GILBERTO MORA, the Mexican prospect from Xolos de Tijuana, is among the young talents highlighted in the selection.
• TOMÁS ARANDA, the Boca Juniors midfielder, is Argentina’s surprise pick on the list.
• FRANCO MASTANTUONO AND NICO PAZ miss out on the 10-player selection linked to Messi.

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