Lionel Messi has revealed the name of the next soccer star, and fans will be surprised to know it’s not Kylian Mbappe. Mbappe, Messi’s teammate at PSG, has already established his place in the soccer world. Aged just 24, Mbappe has already notched up an impressive series of records to his name. However, despite the recent bromance, Messi has snubbed Mbappe to name Gavi as the next soccer star.
Pablo Martin Paez Gaviria, better known as Gavi, is one of the most exciting talents in soccer. The 18-year-old midfielder has already cemented his place in FC Barcelona’s team. For Xavi, the manager of Barcelona, Gavi has already become an undisputed starter despite his young age. As per El Futbolero, Lionel Messi considers Gavi to be the next big thing in soccer.
As per reports, Messi voted for Gavi to win the Kopa Trophy in 2022. Messi places Gavi ahead of his PSG teammate, Nuno Mendes, and the young English prodigy, Jude Bellingham. Last year, during an interview, Gavi was asked whether he had ever played alongside Messi. To which, Gavi said, “Unfortunately not. I wasn’t so lucky. ” However, Gavi’s luck might turn around as there are reports of a possible return for Messi to Barcelona.
🗣️ Lionel Messi: “I still watch Barcelona whenever I can. Very good and key players have recently appeared, like Gavi.” pic.twitter.com/Zg5yznTK0Y
— Barça Worldwide (@BarcaWorldwide) November 1, 2021
Although Messi thinks highly of Gavi, there is a lot of competition in the current generation of young soccer stars. Messi’s teammate, Mbappe, is already considered to be the heir to the throne of Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Manchester City star Erling Haaland is also one of the best young players in the world right now. There are other talented youngsters as well as like Bayern Munich’s Jamal Musiala, and Gavi’s teammate, Pedri.
Has Lionel Messi ever won the Kopa Trophy?
Gavi won the prestigious Kopa Trophy in 2022. The Kopa Trophy, which is presented by France Football, awards the most outstanding young soccer player under the age of 21. Gavi became the second Barcelona player in a row to win the trophy, after his teammate, Pedri, won it in 2021. Although Lionel Messi was also once crowned the best young player in the world, the Argentine talisman has never won the Kopa Trophy.
Lionel Messi was awarded the Golden Boy trophy in 2005. This trophy is similar to the Kopa Trophy, except that the Italian newspaper, Tuttosport, presents the Golden Boy award. The most recent winner of this trophy is Gavi. A few other notable winners of this award include Wayne Rooney (2004), Sergio Aguero (2007), Paul Pogba (2013), and Kylian Mbappe (2017).
📊 All the statistics behind Pablo Gavi’s record-breaking World Cup debut. He was just 𝗜𝗠𝗣𝗘𝗖𝗖𝗔𝗕𝗟𝗘… 💎
— barcacentre (@barcacentre) November 23, 2022
With such numerous accolades to his name, Gavi has made a name for himself in the world of soccer. Gavi represented Spain in the World Cup 2022 and scored a goal in Spain’s opening match against Costa Rica. With his goal, Gavi became the youngest Spanish player ever to score a goal in the World Cup (18 years and 110 days). Gavi also became the youngest player ever to score in a World Cup since the late Brazilian legend Pele.