FC Barcelona has started the season at a great level. Hansi Flick has managed to form a solid team with a mix of young talent and experienced players who are performing at a spectacular level. Despite the absences and the lack of major signings Barça remains one of the most competitive teams in Europe.
From Miami, Leo Messi closely follows the evolution of the club that marked his career. Despite enjoying his time in Miami with Luis Suárez, Jordi Alba and Busquets, he doesn't miss a detail of what's happening at Camp Nou. On more than one occasion he has expressed his happiness to see how the team continues to grow and now he has pointed out who he believes should be his successor at Barça.
Lamine Yamal, The Chosen One by Everyone... Except Messi
When talking about Barça's future, the first name that comes to mind is Lamine Yamal. At just 17 years old, the young winger has proven to be a standout player both at Barça and with the Spanish National Team, with which he excelled in the last European Championship.
His talent, his ability to break through and his maturity on the field have made him the great hope of Barcelona fans. Despite his young age, he is already compared to the club's great legends and many even see him as the natural heir to Leo Messi.
However, for Messi, the team's successor is not Lamine Yamal. Although he acknowledges his talent and enormous potential, the Argentine star believes it is still too early to burden him with such responsibility. For him, Barça needs another type of leadership at this moment, someone with more experience who has already demonstrated their ability to carry the team on their shoulders.
Messi Surprises with His Choice: Bets on a Current Leader
According to leaked information, Messi believes that leadership in this team should fall on the more experienced players. In his opinion, figures like Raphinha and Lewandowski should take on the role of locker room leaders, helping the young players develop without pressure.
But the big surprise has been his choice of who should be Barça's future football leader. For Leo Messi, the player who has the talent and mentality to take on that role is none other than Raphinha.
The Brazilian winger, who joined the club in 2022 from Leeds United, has been earning his place in the team with effort and determination. Although his performance was initially questioned, his character, sacrifice and talent have made him a key piece in Flick's scheme.
Raphinha has proven to be a player who appears in important moments with goals, assists and an attitude that infects the rest of the team. Additionally, his connection with the locker room is excellent and his leadership on the field is increasingly evident.
Messi's Choice to Lead Barça to the Top
Messi sees in Raphinha a player with the ability to lead Barça in the coming years. His experience in the Premier League, his growth at Barça and his competitive character make him an ideal candidate to take on more prominence.
Now, Raphinha's challenge is to establish himself as the team's great offensive reference and continue proving his worth in key moments. With Flick's support and the locker room's confidence, the Brazilian is facing a unique opportunity to make history at Barça.
Although he no longer wears the blue and red jersey, Leo Messi continues to leave his mark on FC Barcelona. His vision of the team and his experience are a reference for many players. His choice of Raphinha as the leader of the future is yet another demonstration of his football knowledge.
The Brazilian has the mission to prove he is up to the task and can be the key man in Barça's new era. With Flick at the helm and a squad full of talent, the club is ready to return to the top. Will Raphinha be the team's new leader? Time will tell.