Como’s Jesus Rodriguez Joins Nico Paz on Messi’s 2026 List of Future Stars

FolioPitch.com – 13 October 2026 | Lionel Messi has unveiled his annual “Backed by Messi” list of 10 young players to watch in 2026, and Como winger Jesus Rodriguez has earned a coveted spot. The 20-year-old Spaniard, who joined Como from Real Betis in the summer of 2025 for a reported fee exceeding $31 million, has impressed under the tutelage of Cesc Fabregas as the Lariani make their Champions League debut this season. In a remarkable testament to Como’s growing reputation as a breeding ground for elite talent, Como’s Jesus Rodriguez follows Nico Paz onto Messi’s list of future stars, marking the second consecutive year a Como player has been selected.

Messi’s endorsement, part of a campaign with Adidas that first launched in 2015 and was relaunched two years ago, highlights Rodriguez’s rapid rise. The winger has been a standout in Serie A, combining blistering pace with technical flair and an eye for goal. His performances have not only caught the eye of the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner but also solidified his status as one of Europe’s most exciting prospects. Rodriguez’s journey from Real Betis’s youth academy to a prominent role in Como’s ambitious project underscores the club’s savvy recruitment and developmental strategy.

The list, as reported by Marca, features a diverse array of talent from across the globe. Alongside Rodriguez, Arsenal’s 16-year-old sensation Max Dowman, Crystal Palace’s Zavier Gozo, AZ Alkmaar’s Kees Smit, Eintracht Frankfurt’s Can Uzun, Boca Juniors’ Tomás Aranda, and Tijuana’s Gilberto Mora make up the men’s selections. In the women’s category, Chelsea’s Chloe Sarwie, OL Lyonnes’ Giovanna Waksman, and Hamburg’s Lotta Wrede are recognized. Notably, Como’s Jesus Rodriguez follows Nico Paz onto Messi’s list of future stars, but Paz, who made the cut last year, has since seen his stock soar even higher, becoming a key figure for Argentina. Juventus forward Kenan Yildiz, selected in 2024 alongside Lamine Yamal, is another Serie A link to the campaign, while Davide Calabria, named in 2016, remains the earliest Italian league representative.

For Como, the recognition of Rodriguez is a validation of their meteoric rise. Under Fabregas, the club has transformed from a mid-table Serie B side to a Champions League participant, blending experienced heads with prodigious talents. Rodriguez’s inclusion on Messi’s list is not just a personal accolade but a signal that Como’s project is bearing fruit. The winger’s development will be closely monitored as he navigates the pressures of top-flight football and European competition. If he continues on his current trajectory, Rodriguez could soon follow in the footsteps of Paz and Yildiz, translating potential into sustained excellence.

However, Messi’s list is not a guaranteed prophecy of greatness. The inaugural 2015 edition included Timo Werner and James Wilson, both of whom have had careers that fell short of the lofty expectations set by their early promise. Werner, once a prolific striker for RB Leipzig, struggled to replicate his form at Chelsea and Tottenham, while Wilson’s career has been plagued by injuries and inconsistency. This serves as a cautionary tale for Rodriguez and his peers: talent alone is not enough. The path to stardom requires resilience, adaptability, and a bit of luck. For now, Rodriguez has the world at his feet, and Como’s faithful will hope he can defy the odds.

The Significance of Messi’s Endorsement

Messi’s “Backed by Messi” campaign has become a prestigious indicator of future talent. Being named on the list offers young players a global platform and the implicit blessing of the greatest player of all time. For Rodriguez, it is a moment of immense pride and a motivator to keep pushing. In an interview, the winger expressed his gratitude, stating that Messi’s recognition fuels his ambition to reach the highest level. The campaign also includes mentorship opportunities and increased media exposure, which can be both a blessing and a burden. Yet Rodriguez, with his humble demeanor and work ethic, appears well-equipped to handle the spotlight.

As the 2026 season progresses, all eyes will be on Rodriguez to see if he can justify Messi’s faith. Como’s Champions League campaign provides the perfect stage for him to showcase his abilities against Europe’s elite. With Fabregas’s guidance and a supportive squad, Rodriguez has the environment to thrive. The fact that Como’s Jesus Rodriguez follows Nico Paz onto Messi’s list of future stars is a testament to the club’s vision and a source of inspiration for aspiring footballers everywhere. Whether he becomes a household name or another cautionary tale, Rodriguez’s journey is one worth following.

Conclusion

Lionel Messi’s annual list of young talents is more than just a PR exercise; it is a spotlight on the next generation. Jesus Rodriguez’s inclusion, alongside the likes of Max Dowman and Gilberto Mora, highlights the global nature of football’s talent pipeline. For Como, the recognition of both Rodriguez and Nico Paz in consecutive years is a clear sign that their project is on the right track. As Rodriguez continues to develop under Cesc Fabregas, he carries the hopes of a club and the endorsement of a legend. Only time will tell if he fulfills his immense potential, but for now, he is exactly where he deserves to be: on Messi’s list of future stars.