10 Players Messi 'Backed' But Have Flopped
29 January, 2020
In 2015 and 2016, FC Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi tipped several young footballers to have bright futures, but where are they now? Here are 10 stars who have not lived up to the Argentine's expectations, including an African player.
As part of an adidas campaign in 2015 and 2016, the Argentina captain handpicked 20 footballers he thought were set for great careers, giving them a pair of his own custom boots and encouraging supporters to follow their progression.
Players such as Olympique Lyon's Maxwell Cornet and Red Bull Leipzig's Timo Werner were chosen by Messi, two stars who have so far impressed for their respective clubs and countries. A number of the other players have gone on to enjoy decent careers, but a few of them have simply not matched up to the 32-year-old's expectations.
One of them is Getafe winger Kenedy, who is currently on his fourth loan spell away from Chelsea in Spain. The once-promising Brazilian has been on the English club's books for the past five years, and has played just 27 games for his parent club.
Another was Accursio Bentivegna, formerly of Palermo in Italy. Now 23 years old, the striker currently represents Carrarese in Serie C, after playing just eight senior matches for his ex-club. Bentivegna represented his country at U17, U18, U19 and U20 level, but failed to kick on.
Messi also tipped former Manchester United striker James Wilson for success after he struck twice on his debut for the Red Devils in 2014. The English forward ended up playing just 20 matches for United before loan spells at Derby County, Sheffield United and Brighton & Hove Albion.
The 24-year-old, who was rated highly during his time in United's famous academy, now represents Aberdeen in Scotland, where he has scored just four goals in 48 appearances.
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Gambia-born winger Kekuta Manneh, now 25 years old, was also part of Messi's selection, but has failed to make much of an impact at the clubs he has played for since 2016 – click through the gallery above to see more players who have flopped since the Barcelona talisman backed them to have great careers.
Source: www.soccerladuma.co.za