Barcelona star Lionel Messi is regarded as arguably the best player of all-time and burst onto the scene as a teenager at the Camp Nou many years ago. So it’s fair to say that when the 32-year-old speaks, people listen.

And he has given his take on the top young prospects looking to follow in his footsteps by naming 15 “youth on the rise” players.

The list makes up part of a set of Topps Champions League cards specially designed by Messi, featuring cards about the “Greatest Moments” of his career as well as “Top Talents” and “Youth on the Rise”.

He picked out 15 players in the latter category, on the list are already big names, such as Kylian Mbappe, Joao Felix, Frenkie de Jong and Ousmane Dembele. Liverpool ‘s Trent Alexander-Arnold, Chelsea ‘s Christian Pulisic and Mason Mount plus Manchester City prospect Phil Foden also on it.

Luka Jovic, Houssem Aouar, Joshua Kimmich and Benjamin Pavard round up the list with some interesting comments from Messi on the back of the cards regarding his thoughts on each player.

Lionel Messi’s ‘youth on the rise’

Trent Alexander-Arnold – “A full-back who is impressive going forward, it is the future.”

Christian Pulisic – “He has great balance and agility.”

Mason Mount – “Having watched him play he has the potential to be one of the best.”

Phil Foden – “He will do amazing things in the game. He has huge talent.”

Jadon Sancho – “His ability to dribble past defenders is impressive.”

Luka Jovic – “A magical player who makes the impossible, possible.”

Kai Havertz – “His composure in front of goal is so impressive for such a young player”

Eder Militao – “A phenomenal talent and fierce competitior.”

Ousmane Dembele – “His pace is frightening in training.”

Houssem Aouar – “He is always calm with the ball at his feet with an excellent technical quality.”

Frenkie de Jong – “One of the most accomplished passers I have ever seen for his age.”

Joao Felix – “One of the most exciting young players in the world right now.”

Kylian Mbappe – “He is so fast and he can finish. Very dangerous.”

Joshua Kimmich – “A hugely talented full-back who provides so many assists.”

Benjamin Pavard – “A classy defender who can strike a ball so well.”