Messi's 2015 Predictions: 10 Players He Thought Would Shine and Their Career Paths

Lionel Messi has played alongside some of the greatest footballers of all time. Back in 2015, he named 10 players he believed were destined for greatness. As one of the most celebrated athletes in football history, Messi's insights into the future stars of the game were highly anticipated. In collaboration with Adidas for the 'Backed by Messi' campaign, he selected these players based on their potential to follow a similar trajectory to his own remarkable career.

While some of these players have indeed gone on to achieve national honors and even win the Champions League, others have not lived up to expectations. Here’s a look at the players Messi selected and how their careers have unfolded:

Kenedy

Kenedy was an exciting left winger at Fluminense when Messi picked him. After a £6.3 million move to Chelsea, he struggled to make an impact, playing only 30 games over seven years and spending time on loan at various clubs. Now at Valladolid, he has scored just two goals in 44 appearances.

Aleksei Miranchuk

The attacking midfielder had a promising start with Lokomotiv Moscow. After moving to Atalanta in 2020, he now plays for Atlanta in MLS, though the team has struggled in recent seasons.

James Wilson

Messi had high hopes for this Manchester United academy graduate, but Wilson made only 20 appearances for the first team and has since moved between clubs, currently playing for Northampton Town.

Gyasi Zardes

Initially with LA Galaxy, Zardes' career has been marred by injuries. Currently, he is without a club at age 33 after stints with several teams.

Timo Werner

After a successful spell at RB Leipzig, Werner's move to Chelsea was met with mixed results. He returned to Leipzig after struggling in the Premier League.

Rony Lopes

Initially signed by Manchester City, Lopes found his footing at Monaco and later moved to Sevilla, currently on loan at Farense.

Jeremie Boga

Once a Chelsea player, Boga has had a varied career in Europe, recently thriving at Nice and winning the African Cup of Nations with the Ivory Coast.

Khiry Shelton

The second overall pick in the 2015 MLS SuperDraft, Shelton has not lived up to expectations, struggling with various teams in MLS and Europe.

Accursio Bentivegna

Chosen over Paulo Dybala, Bentivegna's career has not taken off, currently playing in Serie C after a series of lower-league moves.

Maxwel Cornet

Cornet has had a more successful career, contributing significantly to Lyon before moves to Burnley and currently on loan at Genoa.