The next Messi: 5 players in Argentina who Barcelona should consider | OneFootball

OK, we know he hasn’t actually left the building yet. But what if Lionel Messi does actually leave FC Barcelona in this window? Did you believe you’d ever see Messi involved in a transfer? And who might be the next Messi? So many questions, so little time.

Let’s face it – how on Earth do you replace that?

Barcelona haven’t exactly been known for their smart scouting in recent years, but is there a chance that history could kind of repeat itself in a positive way?

We asked our computer the hypothetical question – ‘is there another Messi hiding away in Argentina’ and it came back and told us, ‘you know what, there’s five players who match the great man from a metrics perspective…’

Naturally, we were keen to investigate further – and these were the five players that our super-computer suggested Barcelona might run the rule over just in case they ever found themselves in need of an Argentian forward…

#5 David Barbona – Racing Club

Barbona is 25 years old and currently playing for Racing Club. Standing at 5ft 10, he is a decent physical build for his position. Born in Buenos Aires, he is a powerful, direct dribbler who can play off both flanks. He is left-footed, just like someone else we know.

Watch Barbona in action:

#4 Alex Rodriguez – Newell’s Old Boys

Rodriguez is a product of the Newell’s academy – a club that is synonymous with Marcelo Bielsa. He is diminutive in size, but has very quick feet and knows how to finish.

Watch Alex Rodriguez in action here:

#3 Lauturo Comas – Patronato

Comas is another homegrown talent, this for Patronato. Aged 25, he is a quick, aggressive dribbler with great tenacity. Typically playing off the right, he uses both feet more frequently than anyone else on the list to date.

Watch Comas in action here:

#2 Federico Martinez – Rosario

OK, you got us. Martinez isn’t Argentinian – he is from Uruguay. Currently on loan from Liverpool (no, not that one). Martinez is tearing it up for Rosario. Strong, tenacious, willing to track back could Martinez offer Barcelona a different option?

Watch Martinez here:

#1 Thiago Almada – Velez Sarsfield

How Almada isn’t already playing in Europe is a bit of a mystery. Known by many as the next top talent of the Argentina production line, Almada already has 7 U20 caps to his name and has an incredibly bright future. He’s been dubbed the ‘next Messi’ – Manchester United and Leeds United have both been linked to him in 2020, and Velez are fully aware it is only a matter of time. As you can see below, it is clear to see why so why wouldn’t Barcelona chance their arm on a potential heir to Messi’s throne?

As you can also see here, Velez play an almost similar style of football to Barcelona meaning there is a good chance Almada could slot straight in pretty quickly.

Watch Almada here:

Conclusion

Time for the disclaimer – we are not saying any of these players are 100% the next Lionel Messi. Who possibly could be? Probably nobody. Except Almada – he actually might be.

However, running our super-computer algos threw up these five player who, in terms of metrics, are the closest match to Messi the demigod currently playing in the top-flight of Argentina.

Should Barcelona move for any of them?

We’ll let you be the judge of that – but let’s be honest, there’s some talented players on that list…