Messi’s heir steps forward as farewells loom

Messi’s heir is making his case as farewells loom: with the question of Lionel Messi’s successor entering the conversation, Lamine Yamal and Michael Olise have emerged as the two names at the heart of the race. There is no consensus yet, and the identity of the player capable of taking Messi’s “throne” remains uncertain.

The announcement of Lionel Messi’s international retirement could mark the start of the countdown to the end of his career. In that landscape, the field is not crowded: Yamal, a winger at FC Barcelona, and Olise, his counterpart at Bayern Munich, appear to be pulling clear.

Winning individual honours, however, is not enough to succeed Messi. The Argentine’s status demands extraordinary, magician-like talent as well as attacking contributions. At 24, Olise appears to be the strongest contender, although comparing any player with the tango legend remains difficult. His rise, however, came as no surprise to those who had followed him.

Since joining Bayern in the summer of 2024, the Frenchman has produced 92 goal contributions in 111 matches: 45 goals and 47 assists. Those numbers strengthen his case, but do not settle the question of Messi’s legacy. Messi is difficult to replicate; Olise could nevertheless be the player to inherit his magical status in the coming years.