Ibrahim Maza reveals how Lionel Messi’s Kopa Trophy vote reached him

Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Ibrahim Maza said he was focused on his side’s Bundesliga match against Stuttgart when he learned that Lionel Messi had included him among his choices for the 2026 Kopa Trophy.

Messi, the Argentina captain, ranked Maza third in his selection for the award recognising the best young player at the Ballon d’Or ceremony. The Algerian finished ninth in the overall voting, while Barcelona pair Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsi were placed ahead of him.

Both Yamal and Cubarsi were part of the Spain squad that won the World Cup, while Maza’s position in Messi’s selection provided further recognition of the progress he has made at Bayer Leverkusen.

“I found out about it a short while ago, but I was more focused on the match,” Maza told Sky Sports.

“I wanted to put it out of my mind and wait until the game was over before finding out whether the news was true or not.”

The 2026 ceremony took place as Maza continued to attract attention with his performances for Bayer Leverkusen. He said he tried to avoid allowing the development to distract him while the match was taking place, although messages began arriving on his phone.

“I had a quick look at the end, and of course I also received a call,” he said. “I tried not to let it distract me, but some messages started coming through.

“It is a great honour to receive this recognition and to be chosen by a player of Messi’s stature.”

Messi’s vote has added to Maza’s growing profile among Europe’s leading young players. The Algeria international has established himself as a notable emerging talent with Bayer Leverkusen and is now attracting interest from several major clubs.

Paris Saint-Germain are among the clubs reported to be interested in him.