Barcelona face the threat of ‘little Messi’ when they take on Crvena Zvezda

Barcelona’s next fixture sees them take to the field in Belgrade against FK Crvena Zvezda, a team who have lost all three of their European games so far.

While their record in the UEFA Champions League has been abysmal, they have been in phenomenal shape in their domestic league where they are unbeaten in 13 games. 

With their backs against the wall in a virtually must-win situation, they will not make it easy for the Catalans who will be the de-facto favourites.

As revealed by SPORT, however, Crvena Zvezda have a young star Barcelona must be wary of, for he is compared with none other than the club’s own legend Lionel Messi.

A 17-year-old phenom

Andrija Maksimovic, at just 17 years of age, has already become a trusted member of Zvezda’s midfield. An attacking midfielder by trade, he already has two goals and as many assists in just three league outings.

The youngster’s playing style has earned him the nickname ‘little Messi’ and his magic on the field has already caught the attention of Europe’s elite including Juventus, Borussia Dortmund, Eintracht Frankfurt and Liverpool.

Maksimovic has two goals in his last two games across all competitions and recently became the youngest-ever debutant for the Serbian national team and Barcelona must be wary of him.

While Hansi Flick will undoubtedly be wary of the midfielder, he has a ‘little Messi’ of his own in Lamine Yamal who falls in the same age category but has accomplished far more. 

In fact, the player has just turned the same age at which Messi made his league debut for Barcelona and already has over 80 appearances under his belt.

The outing in Belgrade is Barcelona’s second-last game before the international break, but with an attendance of over 50,000 expected and the hosts under pressure to win, it will be far from easy for the Blaugrana.