New Delhi: In the world of football being labelled the “next Lionel Messi” is both an honour and a curse. It signifies that a player possesses exceptional talent and potential, yet it also brings immense pressure and expectations. This is particularly true for those who come through Barcelona Academy La Masia where comparisons to the Argentine legend are inevitable. However, Messi’s unparalleled success highlights just how rare it is for any player to replicate his achievements.
Over the years, several young prospects have been hailed as his successor, only to struggle under the weight of those expectations. Whether due to injuries, inconsistency, or a failure to adapt at the highest level, many promising talents have fallen short of the lofty standards set for them. Here are five players who were once considered the heir to Messi’s throne but ultimately failed to fulfil the hype.
5. Bojan Krkic
Bojan Krkic (Image via @FTalentScout ‘X’)
Bojan Krkic was one of the first players to be dubbed as the original “next Messi”. Just like Messi, he emerged from Barcelona’s La Masia academy he made his debut at the age of 17 and showed promising skills to draw comparisons with Messi. However, the pressure took its toll on him leading to injuries and inconsistency. After spending loan spells at AC Milan, AS Roma and Stoke City Bojan’s career withered away.
4. Giovani dos Santos
Giovani dos Santos (Image via @BarcaWorldwide ‘X’)
Giovani dos Santos was another La Masia graduate often compared to Lionel Messi, one of the greatest players of all time. He joined Barcelona’s academy at the age of 13 and went on to make 38 appearances for the senior team. However, his career never truly took off at the club as he managed to score only four goals. The attacking midfielder later moved to Tottenham Hotspur but struggled to establish himself in the Premier League. His progress was hindered by injuries, inconsistent form, and an inability to handle the pressure at the highest level.
3. Gai Yigaal Assulin
Gai Yigaal Assulin (Image via @FTalentScout ‘X’)
Gai Assulin was once hailed as the “Israeli Messi” due to his dribbling ability, low centre of gravity, and attacking style of play, which drew comparisons to the Argentine legend. He joined Barcelona’s renowned La Masia academy at the age of 12 and was considered one of the brightest prospects of his generation. However, despite the high expectations surrounding him he struggled to break into the club’s senior squad.
After mutually parting ways with Barcelona, Assulin’s career took a steep decline. He had a brief stint at Manchester City but failed to make an impact before moving on to clubs like Brighton and various lower-tier teams. Injuries, inconsistency, and the inability to fulfil his early promise prevented him from reaching the heights many had anticipated. What once seemed like a promising career ultimately faded into obscurity.
2. Gerard Deulofeu
Gerard Deulofeu (Image via @FCBarcelona ‘X’)
Gerard Deulofeu was a highly talented winger who emerged from Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy, where he was regarded as one of the most exciting prospects of his generation. He joined the club at the age of nine and quickly rose through the ranks, impressing with his flair, dribbling ability, and eye for goal. His performances for Barcelona B were particularly noteworthy as he scored 27 goals in 68 appearances, showcasing his potential as a future star.
However, Deulofeu struggled to earn a spot in Barcelona’s first team. The Spaniard struggled to find form in the first team and despite showing promise at Everton and AC Milan he struggled with consistency and decision-making. He returned to Barcelona in 2017 but failed to establish himself and was sold to Watford.
1. Ansu Fati
Ansu Fati (Image via @FabrizioRomano ‘X’)
Ansu Fati was once heralded as the next Lionel Messi and with good reason. The La Masia product had a similar playing style, cutting in from the wing, challenging defenders, and finishing with precision. He shattered multiple records, scoring at a higher pace than Messi in his early career, and played thrilling football that attracted spectators. Despite his ailments, Fati had Barcelona’s confidence and was even offered the legendary No. 10 shirt after Messi left for Paris Saint-Germain in 2021. However, Fati’s injury problems persisted, and by March 2023, his condition had gotten exceedingly difficult.
Fati’s father, Bori, a former professional footballer, openly expressed his unhappiness with Xavi’s management, stating that his son was not getting enough playing time. Bori even advised that Fati leave Barcelona and join archrivals Real Madrid. The issue worsened when 16-year-old Lamine Yamal, dubbed the “new Messi,” overtook Fati in the pecking order. Hansi Flick has asked the 22-year-old to leave the club or improve in order to earn a place back on the bench and in the squad. Fati refused transfer offers and is currently receiving support from Robert Lewandowski o work his way back into Flick’s plans in five months before the summer transfer window.
Discover five La Masia graduates once hailed as the “next Messi” but failed to live up to the hype due to injuries, inconsistency, or pressure. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
