Florian Wirtz, the 21-year-old German midfielder, has made a remarkable name for himself in the football world, drawing comparisons with the illustrious career of Lionel Messi. His exceptional skill on the pitch has led to parallels being drawn between the two football superstars. Wirtz’s journey to stardom began in May 2020 when he made his first-team debut for Bayer Leverkusen, and since then, he has gone on to score 50 goals and provide 54 assists in 171 appearances across various competitions. He has become a vital member of the team, a testament to his hard work and dedication.
Wirtz’s ability to play as an attacking midfielder, similar to Messi’s role under Pep Guardiola at Barcelona, is another aspect that resonates with Messi’s style. Both players are known for their vision, passing ability, and goal-scoring prowess, making them a nightmare for opposing teams to contain. Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso has even compared Wirtz’s style of play to Messi’s, praising his ability to deliver smart passes at crucial moments on the pitch.
Wirtz’s achievement in matching Messi’s record of scoring 17 European goals before turning 22 is a testament to his exceptional skill on the pitch. In a recent UEFA Champions League match against Salzburg, Wirtz matched Messi’s record, drawing even more parallel with the Argentine legend. This achievement is not only a testament to his natural talent but also a reflection of his hard work and dedication to the sport.
As Wirtz continues to grow and develop as a player, it will be exciting to see if he can maintain his impressive form and potentially surpass Messi’s records in the future. His ability to play with flair and creativity on the pitch, as well as his knack for scoring goals and creating chances for his teammates, makes him a valuable asset to his team. Wirtz has even revealed his admiration for Messi, stating that he watched videos of the Argentine legend as a young boy and wanted to emulate his playing style.
In a recent interview with Sky Sports Germany, Wirtz spoke about his childhood hero, saying, “I grew up watching Messi, he’s my biggest idol. I watched videos of him all the time, and I wanted to play like him.” This admiration for Messi is understandable given the similarities between their playing styles and their exceptional skill on the pitch. Wirtz’s rise to stardom, like Messi’s, is a testament to his natural talent and hard work.
