Watch: New Messi at La Masia? Young Barcelona prodigy shows off skills with stunning assist

About a couple of decades ago, a teenage Lionel Messi was making waves at La Masia with his sizzling performances at the youth level.

Now, in 2024, the academy might have found themselves another Messi in the form of Adam Qaroual – a 12-year prodigy who has mesmerised onlookers with his skills and performances in the Barcelona academy.

Qaroual’s incredible assist to Moha

A recent video shared by El Chiringuito has gone viral, showcasing Adam Qaroual’s brilliant assist to Moha, who is the brother of former Barcelona forward Ilias Akhomach.

In the video, Qaroual was seen dribbling through opposition defenders with ease while his playing style was quite comparable to Messi’s.

Quick feet, superb close control and an ability to swift through tight spaces – Qaroual’s assist was indeed an eye-catcher.

Next Messi at La Masia?

Given the similarity in play style, many have started calling Qaroual the next Leo Messi at La Masia.

But while this is still too early to make a call, it is perhaps worth taking a closer look at the youngster and what he is capable of.

Born in Monchengladbach, Qaroual began his football career at SV Lurrip, before playing for Gladbach between 2019 to 2020. After a stint with PSV in the Netherlands, he moved to Barcelona in 2023, immediately joining the Alevi’B team.

Despite being born in Germany, Qaroual has three passports, including a Spanish and a Moroccan one.

Qaroual likes to operate as a number ten, though he can also operate on the flanks. His first season at La Masia, however, did not go to plan, as the youngster lost a few matches to injury.

The new season, to that end, could prove to be critical, as he looks to make waves at La Masia. Needless to say, there is much polishing needed in his game, but given the age and potential shown, he could certainly be someone to keep an eye on.