In 2020, Lionel Messi named the 15 most talented youngsters in world football

Lionel Messi is arguably the greatest player in football history.

The Argentine has won a record seven Ballons d’Or during his incredible career and has wowed football fans ever since his Barcelona debut in 2003.

While there can be very little doubting Messi’s ability on the pitch, what are his scouting skills like?

We ask because, back in 2020, Messi named 15 “youth on the rise” players for Topps Champions League cards.

Not only that but he also wrote a sentence or two about each player.

But where are those 15 players now? Have they fulfilled Messi’s prophecy they will achieve great things in football?

Well, let’s take a look:

Alexander-Arnold has gone from strength to strength at Liverpool and has won the Premier League since Messi’s comments – and is hoping to lead his side to a historic quadruple this season.

Pulisic hasn’t quite taken the Premier League by storm since his move to Chelsea, only managing 23 goals in 105 appearances in all competitions. But he’s still a top talent.

Back in 2020, predicting Mount to have the ‘potential to be one of the best’ was probably a big shout from Messi. But the Chelsea midfielder has taken his game to the next level recently and really does have the potential to be ‘one of the best.’

Foden has forced his way into Man City’s first-team and it’s crazy to think he’s still only 21. We agree with Messi, Foden will do ‘amazing things in the game.’

Sancho’s move to Manchester United in the summer hasn’t quite gone to plan but that’s probably not the player’s fault entirely. There can be no doubting his talent.

We’re not quite with Messi on this one. ‘A magical player who makes the impossible, possible?’ Jovic has struggled since his move to Real Madrid, scoring three goals in 49