French-Cameroonian prodigy Messi delighted with bright start at Pau

Rising French talent Rayane Messi has expressed satisfaction with his promising start at Ligue 2 side Pau, where he is currently on loan from Strasbourg.

The 18-year-old forward, one of France’s most talked-about prospects, says he is settling well into senior football after a whirlwind two years that have placed him among Europe’s brightest teenage stars.

Born in France to a Cameroonian father of Sudanese descent and a Tunisian mother, Messi has attracted attention not only for his surname but also for his precocious ability on the pitch.

The young attacker was signed by Strasbourg from Dijon in the summer for €1.5 million, before being loaned to Pau to gain regular first-team experience.

Speaking to La République des Pyrénées, Messi said he was pleased with his development so far.

“I knew every move I made would be commented on. I scored my first goal a week after my debut, and there was immediate buzz on social media,” he said.

“This name has nothing to do with the Argentine player; it’s my father’s.”

Messi’s rise has been rapid. After beginning his football journey at Chaville in 2015, he progressed through Versailles and the prestigious Clairefontaine academy before joining Dijon at just 14.

He made history there as the club’s youngest debutant and goalscorer at 16, impressing with his maturity and flair.

His performances for France’s U17 side at the 2024 European Championships, where he scored twice against England, further cemented his reputation as a future star.

Top clubs such as Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich reportedly monitored his progress before Strasbourg secured his signature.

Now focused on his loan spell, Messi says his aim is simple: to grow through regular minutes.

“I’m happy with my start here,” he said. “Playing often and learning in this environment is exactly what I need right now.”