Lionel Messi Successor Sets Multiple Records For Spain In Nations League

Lionel Messi’s touted Barcelona successor, Ansu Fati, has become the youngest ever goalscorer and debutant for Spain in this year’s UEFA Nations League after a goal against Ukraine and a second half substitution against Germany.

Fati has been a revelation for Barca in the past La Liga season and managed to secure his future with the Catalans by maintaining his fine form on the pitch. The teenage sensation is now entering a new chapter in his young career and enjoying a hot start for Spain in the Nations League.

In Spain’s blow-out 4-0 win against Ukraine on Sunday, Sept. 6, Fati scored a highlight-worthy goal, becoming the youngest ever goalscorer for the country’s senior team. Fati was just 17 years and 311 days old when he broke the record held by the late Juan Errazquin for 95 years, Reuters reported.

Errazquin became Spain's youngest goalscorer in 1925 after scoring his first goal against Switzerland at the age of 18 years and 344 days.

The Barcelona star had tried to hit the back of the net almost the entire first half. At the 32nd minute, Fati finally got one and scored his side's third goal.

Fati’s record-setting goal could have happened in an earlier match against Germany on Thursday, Sept. 3. However, his goal attempt had been disallowed for a foul in the build-up by Real Madrid star Sergio Ramos.

Despite not being able to score a goal against the Germans, Fati still set a new record for Spain during the match. Spain head coach Luis Enrique sent the youngster in on a second half substitution. In the process, Fati became the second-youngest player ever to appear in a senior international for Spain since 1936.

Setting and breaking records seem to be a regular thing for Fati. In fact, in La Liga last season, he also made history when he scored both goals during Barca's 2-1 home win against Levante.

Fati’s brace saw him becoming the youngest ever player to score a double in the history of the Spanish top-flight, a record held by Malaga’s Juanmi since 2010. Barca captain Lionel Messi provided the assist for both impressive goals.

In an interview with Give Me Sport in September last year, Messi lauded Fati for having “what it takes to succeed.” The six-time Ballon d’Or winner even vowed to help the youngster he perceived to be his possible successor.

“I like him and I'll try to help him. He is a fantastic player and has what it takes to succeed,” Messi said about Fati. “But if I look through my eyes, I would like him to have a gradual participation, as happened to me when I started.”