Belgium winger Jeremy Doku has spoken about a potential future meeting with Lionel Messi, revealed what he would demand from the Argentina captain.
The Manchester City forward, still only 23, is enjoying a productive campaign at club level, contributing goals and assists across multiple competitions.
His performances have helped maintain City’s push on several fronts, including domestic silverware, and underlined his growing influence within the squad.
Doku’s admiration for Messi is no secret, and the Belgian international revealed that despite already encountering the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner on the pitch, he has never approached him for a shirt — something he now hopes to change under very specific circumstances.
Speaking in an interview with TNT Sports, he said:
“I’ve always been a big fan of Messi. I played against him twice, but I didn’t ask for his shirt. I’ve never been the type to ask for shirts.
“I hope we play against them at the World Cup so I can ask him for it… it would be incredible to face him in the final.”
His comments reflect both respect and ambition — a young player acknowledging one of the game’s all-time greats while also targeting the sport’s ultimate prize.
A meeting between Belgium and Argentina in the final of the FIFA World Cup 2026 would represent a dream scenario for Doku, combining personal admiration with professional achievement.
Doku’s rise and World Cup ambitions
Doku’s development has been closely followed since his early breakthrough, and his current form suggests he could play a central role for Belgium on the international stage.
Although his World Cup experience is still limited — having made just a brief substitute appearance during the 2022 edition — expectations are considerably higher heading into the next tournament.
Belgium will be aiming to navigate a group that includes Iran, Egypt and New Zealand, with Doku likely to be among the key attacking players.
His pace, direct running and creativity offer a different dimension to Belgium’s forward play, and his growing confidence at club level could translate into a more prominent international role.
At the same time, Messi is preparing for what is widely expected to be his final World Cup appearance. The Argentina captain, currently playing for Inter Miami, remains central to his national team’s ambitions despite advancing age.
Argentina will face Austria, Algeria and Jordan in their group as they attempt to defend their global standing.
A potential meeting between Belgium and Argentina would carry significant narrative weight — not only as a clash between two competitive sides, but also as a symbolic encounter between a rising star and an established legend.
Another Man City player urged to join Messi in MLSÂ
Elsewhere, discussions around player movement have continued to gather pace, particularly involving another Manchester City figure, Bernardo Silva.
The Portuguese midfielder has confirmed he will depart the club as a free agent, bringing an end to a highly successful spell that included multiple league titles and consistent individual contributions.
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His next destination remains a topic of speculation, with a move to Major League Soccer being one of the possibilities.
Former City forward Bradley Wright-Phillips believes Silva’s arrival in the United States could have a meaningful impact on the league’s overall standard.
Speaking to talkSPORT, Wright-Phillips said: “I think if you brought him, he’s a world famous, unbelievable player. But he also has quality and can still do it at his age.
“He’s only 31. He’s playing at a high level now. I’d rather see that. So when you do tune in to watch Major League Soccer, you’re not just seeing fireworks and Leo Messi. You’re seeing actual good teams, good coaches and good young players coming through.”
Silva’s record at City underlines his pedigree. Over more than 400 appearances, he has combined creativity with consistency, contributing both goals and assists while playing a vital role in one of the most dominant teams in English football history.
