Every other season, we get to see a title come into the scene again and again. That title is the “Next Lionel Messi“. As this title does hold a massive amount of pressure, it also certifies the greatness in the talent of that player.
Having seen several players fail to fulfill this tag, a new name has emerged recently. Claudio Echeverri, the River Plate and Argentina sensation. Aged just 17 years old, Echeverri has been a sensation at both the club level as well as the international level.
Echeverri was part of the international squad which reached the semi-finals of the U-17 World Cup, in Indonesia. During this run with Argentina, Echeverri was the second-highest top scorer for his nation bagging 5 goals, which included a hat trick against the defending champions, Brazil.
🚨 Manchester City are currently leading the race to sign 17-year old Argentine wonder-kid Claudio Echeverri, who is called the ‘next Lionel Messi’.
(Source: @MirrorFootball) pic.twitter.com/vMecO6qsdE
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) December 5, 2023
With Julian Alvarez, former River Plate talent, being a successful signing for Manchester City, Echeverri is looking to follow in his footsteps and learn under the same manager as his idol, Lionel Messi, Pep Guardiola. Pep Guardiola is known to help and make these youngsters better for their future.
Only time will tell if Echeverri can live up to the hype and fulfill his potential. But one thing is certain Manchester City’s pursuit of the ‘Next Lionel Messi’ is a sign of their ambition and their commitment to developing the next generation of footballing talent.
Interesting reason behind Pep Guardiola’s rejection of Lionel Messi
Pep Guardiola has been one of the greatest admirers of the greatest talent he helped succeed, Lionel Messi. And ever since he departed from the Spanish giants, FC Barcelona where he had his best tenure, Pep Guardiola has been an ever-linked candidate with Lionel Messi.
Since Guardiola arrived in England, he has been linked with Lionel Messi every other season. A couple of seasons back Messi was yet again linked with the English champions, Manchester City. But even with Messi ready to take on this challenge, Guardiola refused to sign him.
Guardiola gave a mocking reply to reject him stating, “Leo, we have grown older. Maybe we can’t stand each other anymore”. After this response as Messi wasn’t able to stay back in Barcelona, he took a transfer to the French champions, PSG. After spending about two years there, he joined the MLS and currently plays for Inter Miami.
When asked about Lionel Messi, Pep Guardiola’s praise is effusive and unwavering every time. His interviews reveal a deep admiration and fondness for the Argentinian superstar, a clear echo of the years they spent together shaping Barcelona’s legendary dominance.
Guardiola remembers Messi not just as a finished product, but also as a young talent blossoming under his guidance, a testament to the enduring impact of their collaboration.