There are a number of young players in the game who could emulate Lionel Messi. Of course, their is only one Lionel Messi and we aren't saying that these players will be exactly like him in any way.

All the players on this list can play the same positions as Messi and whether its their similarity in playing style, similar skills, their possible impact on their team and/or their extreme potential, these players can be the next Lionel Messi.

We tried to keep this list to players under 21, considering Mess is only 25 himself, but there is one exception. We are also ruling out more established young stars like Eden Hazard, Mario Gotze or Neymar who have been on list likes this before.