Many of Lionel Messi’s juniors at La Masia are expected to follow the success of the Argentine superstar, but most of them are disappointing.
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| Lee Seung-woo was once considered the “Korean Messi” and also joined La Masia early in the hope of developing his talent. In the end, the Korean player did not develop as expected. He currently plays for Suwon FC in his hometown K League. |
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| Gai Assulin was once one of the most notable rough gems in La Masia. “Messi Israel” is the nickname people gave to the talent born in 1991. After leaving Barca, he was recruited by Man City with great expectations. However, the player did not meet the requirements and then only played for anonymous clubs. |
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| Jean Marie Dongou has the same starting point as Messi when he also shined at three levels of La Masia’s youth team. However, the Cameroonian player also left La Masia through the back door, when his development slowed down. The striker born in 1995 is currently unemployed since August last year. |
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| Alen Halilovic was recruited by Barca at the age of 17, impressing with his sudden and creative playing style. However, “Messi of the Balkans” did not meet expectations and wandered to many small clubs. He currently plays for Fortuna Sittard in the Dutch National Championship. |
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| Bojan Krkic is one of the names that received the most attention at La Masia, and received the most expectations from Barca fans. The striker born in 1990 played more than 163 matches for the Catalan club, scoring 41 goals. He has a not so bad career, but is still considered a disappointing name at Barca. |
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| Takefusa Kubo is considered the “Japanese Messi” and came to La Masia at the age of 15. Kubo’s career is still ahead, after returning to Japan and then playing for Real Madrid. He currently plays for Real Sociedad and impressed for the Basque club. |
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| Munir El Haddadi has the nickname “Messi Morocco” but cannot escape the big shadow of his senior. Munir was not successful at Barca, then played for a series of clubs in La Liga such as Valencia, Alaves, Sevilla, Getafe. He currently plays for Las Palmas. |
