The 10 wonderkids Lionel Messi singled out in 2015 and what happened to them

Lionel Messi was asked to pick out the best 10 wonderkids in the world back in 2015.

Being singled out as a talent worth watching by Lionel Messi is no minor accolade. Yet that was the pressure placed upon 10 aspiring stars of tomorrow after the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner identified his top picks for the next generation back in 2015. Over a decade ago, Messi was at the pinnacle of his abilities with Barcelona and commanded constant global attention.

So when arguably the greatest player in history selected 10 players to follow as part of Adidas' 'Backed by Messi' campaign, the footballing world took notice. Nevertheless, not all those featured in Messi's list have subsequently achieved the success expected of them. Express Sport examines where those 10 players find themselves today, from players who remain active at elite level to lower-division letdowns...

1. Timo Werner

San Jose Earthquakes v Nashville SC — Previously regarded as the next major talent to spearhead Germany's forward line, Timo Werner reached his zenith during his early Bundesliga seasons. He became Stuttgart's youngest debutant and scorer before establishing himself as RB Leipzig's record goalscorer, netting 113 goals and providing 47 assists across just 216 appearances. Though he struggled to make a significant impact in England, spells at Chelsea and Tottenham (on loan) did yield Champions League and Europa League honours, respectively. Now aged 30, Werner seems to have concluded his European journey in favour of MLS side San Jose, finding the net six times in his opening 18 matches for the club. (Image: Getty)

2. Kenedy

Pachuca v Toluca - Playoffs: Torneo Clausura 2026 Liga MX — After breaking through at Brazilian outfit Fluminense, winger Kenedy was something of a prodigy in 2015, making his professional debut at just 17. He secured a prestigious transfer to Chelsea in 2015 but failed to live up to expectations, going out on a succession of loan spells before eventually departing for Real Valladolid in 2022. Now aged 30, the former Brazil youth international joined Pachuca on a permanent deal this summer and found the net for the first time for the Liga MX side last month. He had previously shone during a loan spell in Mexico last season, bagging nine goals in 36 appearances for the Gophers. (Image: Getty)

3. Accursio Bentivegna

Arezzo v Pescara - Serie C — Arguably the most obscure name featured on Messi's list of rising stars, Accursio Bentivegna has fallen considerably short of predictions. The Italian striker was a promising talent at Palermo when the selection was compiled, but has made just seven top-flight appearances in his career to date. Following his departure from the Rosanero for Serie C outfit Carrarese in 2018, the diminutive forward has appeared more comfortable. Bentivegna has nine goals in 48 matches for his present club, Casertana, but is yet to score in nine appearances this campaign. (Image: Getty)

4. Maxwel Cornet

FC Internazionale v Genoa CFC - Serie A — Maxwel Cornet was a rising star at French club Metz when Messi identified him as a rough diamond. And for a period, the Ivory Coast international shone as expected in Ligue 1, enjoying six encouraging years with Lyon following his selection for stardom. He subsequently ended the 2022 campaign as Burnley's leading goalscorer as the Clarets suffered relegation from the Premier League. His career then took him to West Ham, and he may have caught some off guard by remaining at the club this summer after a succession of loan spells, with many presumably unaware he was still registered with the Hammers. (Image: Getty)

5. Jeremie Boga

Juventus v SS Lazio - Serie A 2026/27 — Discussing Ivorian players who fell short of expectations, Jeremie Boga exemplifies determination and resilience. The attacking midfielder spent three years unsuccessfully attempting to establish himself at Chelsea, becoming a frequent loanee, though he has subsequently flourished in Italy and France. The 29-year-old accumulated 222 combined outings for Atalanta, Sassuolo and Nice before securing a return to European football's upper echelons with Juventus this summer after an impressive loan stint. (Image: Getty)

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