Vietnam football may have found its own 'Lionel Messi'

The explosive performance of Chu Ngoc Nguyen Luc at the 2026 Southeast Asian U17 Championship is causing fans to inevitably associate him with Lionel Messi - the great icon of world football.

Nguyen Luc shines, Vietnam U17 demonstrates strength

Vietnam U17 is showing superior strength in the group stage by successively defeating Malaysia 4-0 and overcoming Timor-Leste by a score of 10-0. In the extremely heavy victory over Timor-Leste on April 16, Chu Ngoc Nguyen Luc was the focal point, scoring an impressive hat-trick, especially with two superb direct free-kick goals.

Not only scoring, the midfielder born in 2009 is also the “brain” in the team's play style. Despite playing in the central midfield position, Nguyen Luc continuously appears at every hot spot, regulates the tempo, and creates numerous dangerous opportunities.

The brilliant form of the player belonging to the youth roster of Hanoi FC has contributed to Vietnam U17 leading the table with a dominant goal difference, while affirming its position as a top contender for the championship.

Comparison with Lionel Messi: Astonishing similarities

The comparison of Nguyen Luc to Lionel Messi is not accidental. In fact, the similarities between the two players are quite clear.

First is the playing role. Like Messi in many stages of his career, Nguyen Luc often drops deep to receive the ball and organize the play, instead of being confined only to the attacking area. This shows tactical thinking superior to his age.

Second is passing ability. If Messi is considered one of the greatest “assist providers” in history, then Nguyen Luc is also demonstrating sharp vision and highly accurate passes, creating clear opportunities for teammates.

Additionally, the free-kick skill of this young midfielder is also a major highlight. Two goals from free-kicks against Timor-Leste show extremely refined ball sense and individual technique, which has been Messi's “brand” for many years.

Finally is dribbling style. With a low center of gravity and neat ball-handling ability, Nguyen Luc has dribbling moves that easily remind viewers of the Argentine superstar.

The number 10 and the great expectations of Vietnamese football

Wearing the number 10 jersey for Vietnam U17 further makes Chu Ngoc Nguyen Luc the focus of attention. This is a symbolic jersey number, associated with the finest conductors in football history.

Not only shining at the youth national team level, Nguyen Luc also possesses an impressive record. He once won the Best Player award at the 2025 National U17 Championship, contributing greatly to Hanoi's championship victory after defeating Nam Dinh in the final.

Previously, at the friendly Hooray Cup 2023 in China, Nguyen Luc also made his mark with a brace against U16 Dortmund. Most recently, he continued to be one of the most outstanding players of Vietnam U17 at the 2025 AFC U17 Asian Cup Finals, even though the home team could not advance past the group stage.

“Vietnamese Messi” – expectation or pressure?

The comparison to Lionel Messi is certainly a major recognition, but it also comes with considerable pressure for a player born in 2009. However, based on what he has demonstrated, Chu Ngoc Nguyen Luc has every reason to nurture the dream of becoming a major star in Vietnamese football.

More importantly, he is showing a foundation of technique, thinking, and competitive mentality rarely seen at this age - something that could open up hope for a classy “number 10” in the not-too-distant future.