Next generation of Barcelona stars who were toddlers when Messi burst onto scene
Lionel Messi has been on the top of his game for so long that Barcelona's next generation of stars were toddlers when the Argentine first burst onto the scene.
Messi, 33, was just 16 when he made his debut for the Catalan club in a friendly against Jose Mourinho's Porto on 16 November 2003.
Since then, the little Argentine has made over 800 appearances and scored over 600 goals in 18 trophy-filled seasons at the Nou Camp.
Good things don't last forever, though, and soon the likes of Ansu Fati, Pedri, Ilaix Moriba and Oscar Mingueza will take the limelight as Messi begins to wind down his career.
Daily Star Sport have taken a look at the next generation of Barcelona stars about to make their mark on the world stage.
Ansu Fati
Teenager star Ansu Fati is the natural heir to Messi's throne.
The winger made his Barcelona debut as a 16-year-old in 2019 to become the club's second youngest ever player.
Like Messi, he's intelligent, quick and clinical in front of goal. Fati already has 11 goals in 31 La Liga matches.
Although his progress has been halted by injuries, the Guinea-Bissau born ace is on the right track to stardom.
Pedri
No, Pedri is not a Pro Evolution Soccer version of former Barcelona ace Pedro.
The 18-year-old is a quality player in his own right and an integral member of Ronaldo Koeman's side.
Even at his tender age, Pedri has been involved in 40 matches so far this season, contributing three goals.
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He has drawn comparisons with Andreas Iniesta thanks to his silky dribbling skills and passing ability.
Barcelona need a player like Pedri if they want to make a successful transition to the next generation.
Ilaix Moriba
Sergio Busquets is one of the last remaining members of Barcelona's all-conquering tiki-taka generation.
Like Messi, the midfielder won't be around forever, but youngster Ilaix Moriba is capable of filling his boots.
Morabi has been described as mix between Busquets, Yaya Toure and Paul Pogba – and it's easy to see why.
At 6ft 1in, the 18-year-old is already a giant amongst men thanks to his rangy frame.
As he continues to grow into his body, Moriba will become a more powerful presence in the middle of the park.
With his athleticism and ability to disrupt play, retain possession and recycle the ball, he's definitely one to watch.
Oscar Mingueza
If Pedri is the heir to Iniesta and Moriba is the successor to Busquets, then Oscar Mingueza is the next in line to Gerard Pique.
At 21, Mingueza has been a little slower to integrate into the first-team, but the centre-half is now making up for lost time.
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He has made 28 appearances for Barcelona this season and will only improve learning off his esteemed defensive partner.
Riqui Puig
Riqui Puig is another diminutive midfielder who has been tipped to follow in the footsteps of Iniesta.
The youngster doesn't really fit into Koeman's system right now, but he still has a bright future ahead.
Puig is a fantastic passer of the ball and is excellent at the recovery side of the game, too.
Barcelona have plenty of options in Puig's preferred position, so he may have to wait to get his turn.
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