Lionel Messi ranks Ibrahim Maza third for Kopa Trophy
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on TSA
Lionel Messi ranked Bayer Leverkusen’s Algerian international Ibrahim Maza third in his vote for the 2026 Kopa Trophy. The young player came behind Spaniards Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsí, according to TSA, which also reports praise from Ousmane Dembélé.
Lionel Messi placed Algerian international Ibrahim Maza, an attacking midfielder at Bayer Leverkusen, third in his vote for the 2026 Kopa Trophy, behind Spaniards Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsí, TSA reports. Maza finished ninth in the ranking, which recognises the best young player of the year.
Messi’s choice came after Argentina’s 3-0 victory over Algeria in the first round of the 2026 World Cup. The Argentine forward scored all three goals, while Maza delivered a performance considered convincing despite his team’s defeat.
Ousmane Dembélé, the French winner of the 2025 Ballon d’Or, also praised the young Algerian. “Next Ballon d’Or InshAllah,” the forward wrote on Instagram while commenting on a post by Maza, according to TSA. The recognition is fuelling rumours of a move away from Leverkusen as early as the winter transfer window, particularly to Paris Saint-Germain, where coach Luis Enrique is said to be following the player.
