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Reasons Why The Next Messi Tend to Flop

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A number of reasons could be giving the clue why players tipped the Next Messi mainly flop at the top level.

Lionel Messi has undoubtedly been the most inspirational figure in modern football. The Argentina captain, who unexpectedly retained his FIFA Best Player award this month, has served as a role model for a number of talented footballers around the world.

Being compared to La Pulga can be a blessing or a curse. Being the Next Messi requires them to prepare for the intense pressure of being the star on the big stage. Unfortunately, not every player has what it takes to be the global star like the Argentine Messiah.

In the 2023–24 season, players touted as the Next Messi are all over Europe. Yet, once again, very few have been able to even replicate the success of the Argentine living legend. The likes of Real Madrid’s Arda Guler, Brighton’s Ansu Fati, and Luka Romero are prominent examples of those who fail to meet expectations, whereas Real Sociedad’s Take Kubo and Martin Odegaard have begun to establish themselves to step out of Messi’s shadow and define their own fate.

Recently, another Next Messi has just emerged. The Argentine captain in the 2023 U17 World Cup, Claudio Echeverri, has justsigned a contract with Manchester City this month. However, the 18-year-old versatile midfielder will not instantly fly to England to join Pep Guardiola's side. He is bound to stay with his former club, River Plate, in 2024 before switching sides to Etihad next year. Will he thrive like his senior Julian Alvarez or slump to injuries and inconsistency like the most? Only time will tell. Perhaps Echeverri should have a look at these reasons why ‘the Next Messi’ mostly fails so that he could take the precious lesson for himself.

Mounting Pressure

Once a player is dubbed ‘the next Messi’, one must be able to embrace mounting pressure to constantly play well. It can be from the media, the teammates, the club, or even the fans. The expectation is always high. Once he fails or doesn’t live up to expectations, only harsh criticism entails. That even happened to Lionel Messi himself. It is certainly not easy to handle. Not even for someone who is already at the top level.

Take Bojan Krkic, for example. He was once touted as the next Messi in Barcelona or The Catalan Messi. He had a chance to play alongside him and had spells at other big clubs such as AS Roma, AC Milan, and Ajax Amsterdam. Yet he couldn’t handle the mounting pressure to succeed at the top level. In fact, such pressure was so immense for him that it brought anxiety inside of him. Now, Bojan, aged 32, is already retired and has returnedto the Catalan giant as a manager for players on loan.

The Horror of Media Attention

Another reason for the failure is getting carried away with the media attention. Being the next Messi means you would be the center of attention, the hype. You might get a commercial contract, interviews, and lots of publicity, especially in a non-football country. You are prone to boasting about yourself as a great player. Such could be a horror for your career.

The case of the Indonesian Messi, Egy Maulana Vikri, might be a good example. Once he was compared to the Albiceleste star, he became famous. He got offers from various clubs in Europe, from Saint Etienne and Espanyol to Benfica and Ajax. Eventually, he opted to sign for Lechia Gdansk, a member of the Polish top flight, simply because they were the only club willing to sign him without trial since Egy had never played in the youth pro league before. Such arrogance might not be necessary since those big clubs had a point. Trials are part of the process of doing well at the top level.

Eventually, Egy had to pay the price. He failed to play regularly due to not being considered physically ready or fit for the European level. He refused to admit it because he thought he deserved a chance with skill and talent like Messi. He even threatened that he would not play football again if he could not find a club to play in Europe. Such a mindset might need revising, as modern football isn’t only about skill and talent but also physical fitness, discipline, and many more.

Unfortunately, Egy did not seem to take it with an open mind. He chose to leave the club instead and move to Slovakian side FK Senica and then Vion Moravce, but things didn't work out either. The Medan-born player eventually returned home and joined the promoted side in the Indonesian top tier, Dewa United. He is part of the Indonesian squad for the 2023 AFCAsian Cup but has yet to contribute a goal or assist.

Lack of Consistency

This is a common case for the next Messi. The Argentine talisman is known for his consistency throughout the years. He won FIFA Best Player eight times and thrived at the top level for more than a decade (2005–2023) before leaving Europe. Surely, it is tough to keep up with those touting the next Messi.

Take Xerdan Shaqiri and Gerard Deaulefou, for example. Both were at the top levels too, with the former once in Bayern, Inter, and Liverpool, and the latter is currently in Udinese after his spells at Everton, Barcelona, AC Milan, and Watford. Yet, their forms have never been as consistent as the current World Cup winner. Shaqiri, who is currently playing for MLS side Chicago Fire, often suffered injuries and somehow only shines in the mid or lower teams, as does Deulofeu.

Lack of Courage to be Different

Being tipped as the next Messi might be a good stepping stone to start off the career, but then one has to dare to be different to distance himself from Messi's shadow. One can try to distinguish himself from the real Messi by winning something La Pulga has not won yet, building a career in the league the Argentine legend never played in, or simply no longer wanting to be compared to him.

Mo Salah and Martin Odegaard, who were once dubbed the next Messi, have outgrown such nickname, and eventually the burden is off their shoulders. The first two simply managed to shine in the EPL, the league Messi never played in. Mo Salah tends to stick to the former Barcelona skipper’s old position as a right winger with goal-scoring prowess and relying on pace. Odegaard, on the other hand, tends to adopt Mesut Ozil rather than Messi himself. The Norwegian international also played for Real Madrid, Barcelona’s arch rival.

Misfortune

This could be an unusual but genuine reason for the next Messi. Some had the misfortune to thrive in the big club at a young age, while others experienced a financial crisis that forced a move out of Europe to change career plans and revive.

The case of Take Kubo and the Scottish Messi, Ryan Gauld, could be good examples. Kubo was loaned out several times and failed to make it into Real Madrid's first team. He finally made his fortune after working with Real Sociedad. They finished fourth last season, earning a spot in the Champions League this season. However, Gauld has not been as fortunate. He had average form only during his spell in Europe. The former Dundee man had to move across the globe to save his career by joining the MLS side, the Vancouver Whitecaps.


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