Como’s Jesus Rodriguez follows Nico Paz onto Messi’s list of future stars

Lionel Messi has named Como winger Jesus Rodriguez among his 10 young players to watch in 2026. As noted by Marca , the Spaniard features in the latest edition of the “Backed by Messi” campaign with Adidas, which first ran in 2015 and was relaunched two years ago. Rodriguez joined Como from Real Betis in the summer of 2025, in a deal reportedly worth more than $31m. He has continued his development under Cesc Fabregas as the Lariani make their Champions League debut this season.