There is no denying that Lionel Messi is one of the greatest footballers to have ever been produced. The Argentine is certainly in the reckoning to be considered one of the best for many generations.
However, bettors might want to avoid his suggestions in the future, especially if they are trying to find the best online Canadian casinos list as his track record might leave them with some rather disappointing experiences.
Back in 2015, Messi was asked who he would back to become the next generation of world-class talent from those that had been labelled as wonderkids at the very early stages of their career.
Indeed, placing such a tag on a youngster from an early age can either set them up for the world stage, or it could just set them up for failure. Unfortunately for many of the men that the Argentine picked, the latter appears to have happened.
Here are the players he suggested could reach the next level and just what they are doing five years after the claim:
James Wilson
A promising Manchester United graduate, James Wilson’s career has only gone one way; negatively. The striker is currently playing in League Two with Salford City under the Class of 92, but it is a fall from grace considering that Messi tipped him for big things.
Timo Werner
The most successful of the players to have been tipped, this is one prediction that Messi got right, although it appears to be the only one. Timo Werner enjoyed huge amounts of success at Stuttgart and then Red Bull Leipzig and has since earned a move to the Premier League with Chelsea.
Kenedy
Speaking of Chelsea, Kenedy was expected to have a huge future ahead of him, however things at Stamford Bridge certainly have not worked out for the Brazilian. In fairness, he was rarely handed an opportunity to play at the club regularly – with 2015/16 an exception – as he spent most of the time out on loan; something he is doing currently with Granada.
Jeremie Boga
Another former Chelsea man, Jeremie Boga has since moved on to rather modest pastures after failed loan spells. He is now playing in Serie A for Sassuolo, and despite being impressive for the Italians, he and Messi will have been disappointed with what has happened over the last five years.
Khiry Shelton
Many might be asking the question: who? Messi tipped Khiry Shelton to be one of the most promising wonderkids to be bursting on the scene, however those who do not follow the MLS may not have even heard of this individual. The winger remains in America and has had just one loan spell in Europe and at 27-years-old, a move to the bigger scene does not look likely.
Accursio Bentivegna
Another to have simply flopped, Accursio Bentivegna simply has not made the heights that Messi predicted. In fact, the forward’s career has been so downhill since the claim was made, that he is now playing in Italy’s Serie C with Juve Stabia.
Gyasi Zardes
Gyasi Zardes is one of the better picks to have been made by Messi, although he still failed to become the world-class player he was predicted to be. There is no doubt he has been extremely effective and important for the Columbus Crew SC in the MLS, but he has yet to earn recognition from teams outside of the United States.
Rony Lopes
Formerly of Manchester City, Rony Lopes had been tipped however he has since struggled. Spells in France and Spain have taken place but the midfielder has failed to do too much since the 2017/18 season he spent with Monaco. The player joined Sevilla but failed to make an impact and has recently returned to France with Nice taking him on loan.
Maxwel Cornet
Perhaps another solid choice from Messi, Maxwel Cornet still has time on his side. The 24-year-old is an important asset to Olympique Lyonnais, where he has played since Messi bracket him to become something big. Cornet has been consistent for several years and, as a first-team regular, he could still make it to a top team, with many years of his career ahead of him.
Aleksey Miranchuk
Aleksey Miranchuk has been loyal to his boyhood club Lokomotiv Moscow, however, loyalty is about all that he can be praised for. He has been a good player for the Russian giants but has not turned into the kind of player which Messi predicted. The 24-year-old still has time, but it appears unlikely at the moment.
