Football goes hand in hand with modernity and directness. There is no other way. Therefore, it is not surprising that after one or two good seasons, a 20-year-old boy is the great hope of becoming the new Messi or Cristiano.
Reality indicates, however, that the monsters of any sport base their legends not only on their talent and rise, but on an enduring greatness that keeps them at the top year after year.
In fact, talking about the ‘new Messi or new Cristiano’ is disrespectful. Today, Neymar is the only footballer who can get close to the aforementioned legends, with everything and their controversies, recurring injuries and an inconsistency that doesn’t just go away.
If Messi, the best player in the world for over a decade, has a direct heir, it’s none other than the Brazilian. Only he can get close, because like the Argentinian, he is able to generate, influence and even define play, and not just through goals.
The assistance he provided last week for Paris Saint-Germain’s second goal against Bayern Munich in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals is only in Neymar’s mind and only a player of his range can perform it.
The South American is at a perfect age (29 years old) in which he has everything to take over Messi and write a legacy. The closest is to win a second Champions League, now with a different team; and in less than two years he will play his third World Cup with Brazil.
As if that were not enough, everything indicates that he no longer intends to leave Paris, that he forms a club to compete at the top of Europe for years. It is no small matter to beat a historic Bayern on a visit, although the draw has not been resolved.
Kylian Mbappé is an exceptional player, world champion at his young age (22 years old) and with endless potential. It is not unreasonable to think that he could also be Messi’s successor at some point; Today, however, Neymar has some steps in front of him that have to do with experience and football conditions.
Erling Haaland is a pleasant and refreshing surprise, but he has only recorded his scoring ability at Borussia Dortmund for two more seasons.
So without any desire to retire, Messi, who is about to turn 34 and has at least a few more seasons to go at the highest level, the only one who currently puts a hand on that throne is called Neymar.