Eight-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi has bestowed a special honour on 20-year-old Bayer Leverkusen player Ibrahim Maza. Messi placed Maza third in his personal vote for the Kopa Trophy, the award for the best U21 player of the year. The voting results published by France Football show Maza finished in ninth place overall. The 39-year-old Argentine legend ranked the Leverkusen talent behind Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsí in his top three.

This recognition comes as Maza continues to build his profile at Bayer Leverkusen. The club currently sits sixth in the Bundesliga with 13 points from eight matches, having recorded four wins, one draw, and three losses so far this campaign. Under manager Carles Martínez, the team is looking to bounce back from a recent 2-4 home defeat to VfB Stuttgart. It was in that very match that Maza scored a consolation goal in the 79th minute. The 42-year-old Martínez stressed that Maza's talent is highly valued at the club but requires continued development. The coach even expressed hope that Maza could one day win the Ballon d'Or himself, describing him as a helpful team player.

For Maza, being voted for by a legend like Messi is a particular highlight after having faced him on the pitch. In Algeria's 0-3 loss to Argentina in the first group stage match of the 2026 World Cup, Maza played 82 minutes and provided an assist in the opening minutes. Messi scored a hat-trick in that game. Maza described the experience of playing against the global star as crazy and a great honour. He later called the Kopa Trophy nomination and attending the ceremony in London an unbelievable experience.

The current season at Bayer Leverkusen offers Maza further opportunity to prove himself. Die Werkself's form in the last five competitive matches reads three wins and two defeats, following the loss to Stuttgart on 31 October and a 5-2 victory over 1. FC Nürnberg on 28 October. The team's top scorer is Patrik Schick with six goals. The squad has scored 18 goals this season but has also conceded 16. They trail league leaders Bayern München by five points. The next fixture is an away match against 1. FC Köln, who are 14th in the table, on Sunday 8 November. Maza's development remains an exciting prospect for the club's future.

Further reading: Bild Sport