Lionel Messi – A King who has held sway in the world of football, breaking every record, winning every trophy within the realms of possibility and craving to add the ultimate prize to his bag in the summer of 2014. Having been considered the best of the current generation, the Argentine might as well become the best the game has ever seen.
However, as the saying goes “Everyone becomes a story that cannot be told anymore.” And it is no different even with the legends of the sport. Can anyone possibly replace him, isn’t it impossible?
Well, to muster a handful of prodigies who can do so is just as hard a task. Here are the 5 privileged youngsters, who could be the potential replacements.
Gerard Deulofeu
Hailing from Catalonia, Deulofeu is one of the most exciting prospects in Europe today. Owing to his blistering pace and exquisite dribbling skills, the 20-year-old shares a great deal of similarities to Lionel Messi. He is also known to have an eye-for-goal and has portrayed ‘no.9’ abilities on numerous occasions.
If there is anything he lacks, then it is the need to acculturate to the Tiki-Taka passing which makes him a brilliant addition to the Catalan giants.
After a string of impressive performances at Everton (where he is on loan this season), the Blaugranas have reportedly decided to bring him back next season for first-team action. Under the guidance of the man himself, it would only be a matter of time before Deulofeu blooms to become the heir of Lionel Messi’s throne.
Angel Correa
The highly-talented prodigy hailing from Buenos Aires is not a prominent name in the world of football but has already drawn comparisons to fellow countrymen Lionel Messi & Sergio Aguero. Currently playing for San Lorenzo in the Argentine Primera, the 19-year-old is an excellent play-maker possessing quick feet, has sublime dribbling abilities and could be a nightmare for the defenders to deal with.
Several pundits and experts believe him to be the next big hope of Argentina but the “Will he do it in Europe?” question remains unanswered. With some of the top dogs in Europe trying to get his signature, Tata Martino who is familiar with the Argentine Primera, would be on red alert as Angel could prove to be the Holy Grail in world football.
Mario Gotze
Alright folks, sit back and relax. I have tipped Mario Gotze to replace Lionel Messi and yes, a candidate based on wishful thinking. Well, why not? I'm sure it wouldn't be a bigger surprise than his move from Borussia Dortmund.
The German Superstar needs no introduction and probably is the hottest property in Europe today. Possessing high speed, excellent technique and dribbling skills; Mario is capable of playing on both flanks or as a forward and is considered to be one of the best German talents in the current lot.
In the earlier days, Gotze was dubbed as the “German Messi” and remained a favorite of Pep Guardiola who was desirous to join hands with him at the Camp Nou. However, the alliance at the Allianz Arena has worked wonders for Bayern and a move away is not on the cards. But Mario remains an inevitable candidate to succeed the 4-time Ballon D’or winner as the best in the business.
Neymar Jr
The Brazilian wonderkid is potentially the best surrogate for the reigning superstar, Lionel Messi. The blistering acceleration and the sublime technical dribbling skills that the Samba boy possesses have drawn comparisons to South American greats like Ronaldinho, Pele and Messi himself.
However, Neymar has provoked questions regarding his potential owing to a jittery start at the Camp Nou but the Catalans must sing his praises for having risen to the occasion in games of utmost importance (the El Clasico, Supercopa and Champions League come to mind).
He edges every potential candidate out of the list for one simple reason, he is already in FC Barcelona. This only implies that the shackles (Messi-Neymar) would become stronger over the years and the Brazilian could go on to become an indispensable force for the Blaugranas.
Without an iota of doubt, the current state of affairs is tailor-made for the Brazilian to replace his national rival, not only at the Camp Nou, but possibly at the Ballon D’or Gala.
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| Top replacements for Lionel Messi at Barcelona |
Well, to muster a handful of prodigies who can do so is just as hard a task. Here are the 5 privileged youngsters, who could be the potential replacements.
 |
| Top replacements for Lionel Messi at Barcelona |
Hailing from Catalonia, Deulofeu is one of the most exciting prospects in Europe today. Owing to his blistering pace and exquisite dribbling skills, the 20-year-old shares a great deal of similarities to Lionel Messi. He is also known to have an eye-for-goal and has portrayed ‘no.9’ abilities on numerous occasions.
If there is anything he lacks, then it is the need to acculturate to the Tiki-Taka passing which makes him a brilliant addition to the Catalan giants.
After a string of impressive performances at Everton (where he is on loan this season), the Blaugranas have reportedly decided to bring him back next season for first-team action. Under the guidance of the man himself, it would only be a matter of time before Deulofeu blooms to become the heir of Lionel Messi’s throne.
 |
| Top replacements for Lionel Messi at Barcelona |
The highly-talented prodigy hailing from Buenos Aires is not a prominent name in the world of football but has already drawn comparisons to fellow countrymen Lionel Messi & Sergio Aguero. Currently playing for San Lorenzo in the Argentine Primera, the 19-year-old is an excellent play-maker possessing quick feet, has sublime dribbling abilities and could be a nightmare for the defenders to deal with.
Several pundits and experts believe him to be the next big hope of Argentina but the “Will he do it in Europe?” question remains unanswered. With some of the top dogs in Europe trying to get his signature, Tata Martino who is familiar with the Argentine Primera, would be on red alert as Angel could prove to be the Holy Grail in world football.
 |
| Top replacements for Lionel Messi at Barcelona |
Alright folks, sit back and relax. I have tipped Mario Gotze to replace Lionel Messi and yes, a candidate based on wishful thinking. Well, why not? I'm sure it wouldn't be a bigger surprise than his move from Borussia Dortmund.
The German Superstar needs no introduction and probably is the hottest property in Europe today. Possessing high speed, excellent technique and dribbling skills; Mario is capable of playing on both flanks or as a forward and is considered to be one of the best German talents in the current lot.
In the earlier days, Gotze was dubbed as the “German Messi” and remained a favorite of Pep Guardiola who was desirous to join hands with him at the Camp Nou. However, the alliance at the Allianz Arena has worked wonders for Bayern and a move away is not on the cards. But Mario remains an inevitable candidate to succeed the 4-time Ballon D’or winner as the best in the business.
 |
| Top replacements for Lionel Messi at Barcelona |
The Brazilian wonderkid is potentially the best surrogate for the reigning superstar, Lionel Messi. The blistering acceleration and the sublime technical dribbling skills that the Samba boy possesses have drawn comparisons to South American greats like Ronaldinho, Pele and Messi himself.
However, Neymar has provoked questions regarding his potential owing to a jittery start at the Camp Nou but the Catalans must sing his praises for having risen to the occasion in games of utmost importance (the El Clasico, Supercopa and Champions League come to mind).
He edges every potential candidate out of the list for one simple reason, he is already in FC Barcelona. This only implies that the shackles (Messi-Neymar) would become stronger over the years and the Brazilian could go on to become an indispensable force for the Blaugranas.
Without an iota of doubt, the current state of affairs is tailor-made for the Brazilian to replace his national rival, not only at the Camp Nou, but possibly at the Ballon D’or Gala.
