8-year-old ‘Little Messi’ could Be Barcelona or Real Madrid Prodigy soon

The 8-year-old is from the southern Andes and, like Messi, small for his age, has become a media sensation since emerging as an unusual talent at the modest Martin Guemes club in the ski resort of Bariloche.

“As soon as he started to play (aged four) he was already different from all the rest of his playmates with regards to technique,” club president Marcelo Ernalz said.

“How he takes the ball stuck to his foot, brakes, stops, kicks, scores, shoots on goal, from when he was little he had all these distinct qualities.

“We’re happy because both the kid and his family deserve an opportunity like this. He’s physically small and had the same growth problems detected in Messi when he was little, and he’s getting hormone treatment.”

Spanish champions Barcelona, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid have all shown interest and the boy will go to Spain for trials in the New Year.

Spaniard Manuel Otero, manager of Barcelona-based PR agency Suenos Comunicaciones, visited the Nancufil family in Bariloche when he heard of Claudio’s talent and offered to represent them.

“After the Christmas holidays, ‘Claudito’ (little Claudio) will go to try out with these three Spanish teams and then we’ll see what each of them offers us,” said Otero, whose agency normally has actors and musicians on its books.

Big Argentine clubs are also interested. “We’ve also had an invitation from River Plate for him to train for a week with them.

“(The family) are not closing any doors and England could also be a great destination for the player.”

Premier League sides Manchester United and Chelsea are reportedly interested in Nancufil, set to be part of a documentary on Argentine football.

“The BBC is preparing documentaries in the run-up to the World Cup in Brazil and with Argentina they want to unite the past, present and future,” Otero said.

“For this, they plan to bring together Diego Armando Maradona, Lionel Messi and Claudio Nancufil and with the participation of (World Cup-winning coaches Cesar Luis) Menotti and (Carlos) Bilardo.”