Rafik Messali says he is determined to earn a senior national team call-up for Algeria this June after an impressive breakthrough season with Toulouse in France’s Ligue 1.
The 21-year-old right-back, who has represented Algeria at U20 level, made his senior debut for Toulouse earlier in the campaign and has gradually established himself as one of the club’s most promising young players.
After being an unused substitute in April 2024 against Lorient, he signed his first professional contract a few weeks later and made his league debut against Rennes in November.
Since then, he has continued to gain minutes, providing his first assist in Ligue 1 during a match against Lille on April 12, 2025.
Reflecting on his steady rise, Messali said, “It’s been a gradual but consistent journey. Starting with appearances in the Coupe de France and working my way into the league matches, I’ve followed the plan we set out. The more I played, the more confident I became.”
Messali’s path to the professional ranks has not been without setbacks. He endured two serious cruciate ligament injuries, which sidelined him for nearly two seasons between October 2022 and February 2024.
However, the defender believes the challenges helped shape him both mentally and physically.
“Injuries like that teach you patience and resilience,” he explained. “They push you to grow up quickly. I’ve learned to listen to my body and understand what it needs. Today, I feel stronger, and I know myself much better.”
Messali joined Toulouse at age 14 in 2016 and came through the ranks via the club’s youth system and the Pôle Espoir development programme.
Despite not always being the standout talent in youth squads, he progressed steadily and earned the trust of the club, even during long injury layoffs.
“The club supported me through everything, especially after the second injury, which was incredibly tough. They believed in me, and I owe a lot to them,” he said.
Originally a right winger, Messali transitioned to full-back at around 18, filling in during a squad shortage.
The switch stuck, and he has since adapted well to the demands of modern full-back play in both back-four and wing-back systems.
“I enjoy playing both roles—whether as a full-back in a four-man defence or as a wing-back where there’s more space to attack.
It fits my strengths,” he said. “Training helped me develop the defensive side of my game, and I now understand the position fully.”
Though he didn’t always envision himself in this role, he draws inspiration from modern attacking full-backs like Youcef Atal and Achraf Hakimi, praising their energy and influence on the game.
As a native of Toulouse, representing his hometown club carries extra meaning. “It’s a source of pride for me and everyone around me. It’s special to play for the club that raised me,” he said.
Looking ahead, Messali hopes to join former teammates Farès Chaïbi and Sohaïb Naïr in Algeria’s senior team.
The trio played together in Toulouse’s reserve squad, and seeing their progress has only motivated him further.
“When I see them playing for the national team, of course it makes me want to be there too. They’re my friends, and joining them would be amazing,” he said.
Messali’s experience with Algeria’s U20 side, including the UNAF tournament in Tunisia, left him with fond memories. “The atmosphere was fantastic, and we had great chemistry between local and European-based players,” he recalled.
With six league matches remaining this season, Messali is eager to continue performing and stake his claim for Algeria’s June friendlies, especially with opportunities opening up at right-back.
“I’m focused on giving everything in these last games. I want to be called up to the national team in June—it’s a short-term goal, but a very important one for me,” he said.
Asked to recall his favourite Algeria national team moment, Messali was quick to respond: “Riyad Mahrez’s free-kick against Nigeria in the 2019 AFCON semi-final. That goal gave us all goosebumps.”
Despite already overcoming considerable adversity, Messali remains grounded and committed to improving. “There’s always more to learn. I’m developing my reading of the game and adjusting to the pace of professional football. The more I play, the more confident I feel.”
As Algeria’s coaching staff prepares to evaluate new talents for the upcoming fixtures, Messali is making his case loud and clear—both on the pitch and off it.
