Despite being only 18 years of age, Alexis Messidoro, nicknamed the ‘Golden Messi’ with a play on words on his surname, is causing quite the stir in Argentina.
Given the obsession with finding the next big talent that can be compared with one of the top players in world football currently, it is no surprise to see the early similarities being made.
However, having impressed with the Boca reserves, Messidoro took his talent and made an immediate impact over the weekend by scoring on his debut for the senior side in their 4-1 win over Aldosivi at the Bombanera stadium.
Albeit a scrappy one, it wasn’t merely just a late goal that padded out the win either, with the teenager scoring his side’s third goal in the 53rd minute to secure the win and turned more heads as he hopes to continue to develop and progress into a first-team regular.
Debut y gol para Alexis Messidoro. pic.twitter.com/S4S7uUCSIG
— Boca Jrs. Oficial (@BocaJrsOficial) April 17, 2016
Having joined the club at the age of 13, Messidoro has shown a versatility to play in various positions up front and has been a steady scorer in the reserve side which in turn earned him the opportunity at the weekend.
Despite the nickname, it is Carlos Tevez who he has been more strongly compared to, as the right-footed youngster has shown a tenacity both on and off the ball to be singled out as a real star for the future.
As with any young talent though, a sense of caution will be needed by all concerned in order to ensure that he is given the room, time and patience to improve and ensure that the early praise is warranted.
Countless young pretenders have been and gone after making an initial impact, with the greats separating themselves from the good through showing a level of consistency that their rivals have been unable to attain.
Messidoro has started on the right track, now it remains to be seen whether or not he can live up to the name, expectations and praise in the coming months and years.