Flamengo have beaten Barcelona to the signing of a teenager dubbed the “Next Lionel Messi” according to reports in Brazil.
Cassiano Bouzon, a 12-year-old Brazilian prodigy, has turned down the offer of joining Barcelona’s famed La Masia youth academy in favour of joining Rio de Janeiro giants Flamengo according to Globoesporte.
Bouzon had been invited on trial at the Nou Camp and impressed coaches so much that they immediately offered the youngster a place at La Masia.
But Barcelona did not offer to help move his family to Spain, leaving Flamengo to swoop for the 12-year-old who wished to remain with his parents.
Barcelona will have to be content with securing the services of the actual Lionel Messi as they continue to scour the globe for potential stars of the future.
