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Arguably the greatest player to have played the game, Lionel Messi still continues to shine brightly at the highest level.
Many players have been dubbed as the new Messi, but have failed to live up to the hype. The Argentine is a unique player, a generational talent whose impact on the game has been huge.
However, there are a few players who have similar attributes to Messi. While very few can come close to the maestro, certain players can claim to have a similar style to Messi.
On that note, here's a look at the five players who have a similar playing style to Lionel Messi.
#5 Paulo Dybala (Juventus)
Long touted as the successor to Lionel Messi, Paulo Dybala has etched a successful career for himself at the very top.
A prodigious talent during his Palermo days, Dybala moved to Juventus in 2015 for £36 million. The Argentina international, like Messi, is a diminutive forward with excellent technical ability. A good creator and a consistent goalscorer, Dybala has done well for Juventus, although the ride has not always been smooth.
In 261 appearances in all competitions for Juventus, Dybala has scored 104 goals, and provided 44 assists. The 27-year-old has had his issues with injuries, and has been linked with a move away from Juventus in the past. However, recent reports suggest that the former Instituto man is set to sign a new deal at the club.
#4 Dani Olmo (RB Leipzig)
Dani Olmo is an interesting player. A product of Barcelona's La Masia academy, Olmo took the unorthodox route of moving to Croatia for his development.
His time with Dinamo Zagreb was a huge success, with RB Leipzig signing him in 2020 for nearly £20 million. A versatile player capable of playing in midfield and further forward, Olmo is a technically gifted footballer. The Spain international is renowned for his intelligence and vision, and has excelled in Germany.
Barcelona are rumoured to be interested in bringing Olmo back. The 23-year-old has made 64 appearances in all competitions for Leipzig, scoring 12 goals and providing 14 assists. Olmo is unlikely to remain with his current club for a long time.
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#3 Ansu Fati (Barcelona)
Lionel Messi's heir at Barcelona, Ansu Fati is the club's new no.10. This highlights how highly rated he is by the Barcelona hierarchy.
Fati looks like a superstar in the making. Pacy, technically strong and an excellent dribbler, Fati made his debut for Barcelona in 2019, and has not looked back since then. The 18-year-old has not looked out of place in senior football, and is already regarded as Barcelona's best forward by many.
In 49 appearances in all competitions, Fati has scored 15 goals, and provided six assists. The Spain international missed nearly a year of football due to a serious injury, but made a strong return last month. He already has two goals this season for Barcelona.
#2 Neymar (Paris Saint-Germain)
Neymar is possibly the one player in world football who can match Lionel Messi's talent level.
The Brazil international was destined for big things ever since his Santos days. Neymar and Lionel Messi enjoy a close relationship. The duo was sensational for Barcelona, and now plies their trade together in Ligue 1 for Paris Saint-Germain. Neymar is a tricky operator, a world-class dribbler with a prolific goalscoring record.
Neymar has often been criticised for his off-the-field actions, and many believe that he lacks Messi's discipline. The 29-year-old, who has endured a poor start to the new season, has made 124 appearances in all competitions for Paris Saint-Germain. He has scored 88 goals and provided 54 assists.
#1 Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
Right now, Mohamed Salah is the best player in world football, ahead of the likes of Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Robert Lewandowski.
Salah's performances this season have been compared to that of Messi in his prime. The Egypt international has been a world-class player since joining Liverpool in 2017 from AS Roma for nearly £38 million. However, not many would have expected him to reach the level he is at right now.
Salah looks untouchable. His quick feet and overall attacking quality have been mesmerising. The 29-year-old has made nine Premier League appearances this season, scoring ten goals and providing five assists. He is among the favourites to lift the Ballon d'Or award this year.
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