'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
#3 Neymar
Neymar left Barcelona in 2017 due to his ambition and desire to lead his own team. The Brazilian reportedly now regrets the move, and Barcelona themselves have struggled in his absence. It is heavily reported that Neymar wants a return to Spain, however, a potential move back to Barcelona would be complicated by interest from rivals Real Madrid.
Neymar has the footballing ability to replace Lionel Messi, and many would argue that he is the best player in the world outside of Ronaldo and Messi. Logistics, however, mean that Neymar may never fulfil his destiny in a Barcelona shirt, and even worse for Barcelona fans, he may be turning out in the white of Madrid.
#2 Philippe Coutinho
Coutinho is the second player on this list that is currently a member of Barcelona's squad. In contrast to Dembele, the 26-year-old has already established himself as a starter in Spain, and Coutinho has vastly improved his production in terms of assists and goals.
If Messi was to leave in 2021, Coutinho would still firmly be in the prime of his career at 29. It is worth noting that the former Liverpool man continues to improve every season, so the Brazilian may be among the best players in the world in three years time. Coutinho even has the support of Barcelona legend Rivaldo, who has tipped the midfielder to eventually replace Messi.
#1 Paulo Dybala
Dybala is as close as Barcelona will ever get to a direct replacement for Lionel Messi. The pair are both from Argentina, and they share traits such as dribbling ability, speed, vision and the ability to play anywhere along the forward line. The Juventus man is also aged just 24, and he will likely replace Messi as the main man for Argentina.
Dybala was linked to Barcelona over the summer, but Lionel Messi expressed hesitation by stating that their similar playing styles meant that the two struggled to play together. Despite this, Barcelona will struggle to find a better replacement for Lionel Messi than his Argentine compatriot. If the Catalan club are serious about Dybala, they will need to make a move soon, as other teams will also be desperate to sign a player who may eventually become the best in the world.
