Lionel Messi ranks Ibrahim Maza among world's top young talents

Ibrahim Maza, the Algerian international playing for Bayer Leverkusen, is cementing his status as a rising star in world football. Lionel Messi has officially acknowledged Maza's potential by ranking him third in his votes for the 2026 Kopa Trophy, placing him behind only Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsi. Messi observed the Algerian player's skills firsthand during the 2026 World Cup match between Argentina and Algeria. Furthermore, 2025 Ballon d'Or winner Ousmane Dembélé praised Maza on social media, predicting he will become a future recipient of the Ballon d'Or. These high-profile endorsements have fueled speculation regarding a potential departure from his current German club, with reports linking him to interest from Paris Saint-Germain.