Standard and KV Mechelen eye French winger Rayane Messi for Belgium

Standard and KV Mechelen are both reported to be interested in signing 19‑year‑old French winger Rayane Messi, a move that could see a "Messi" on Belgian pitches next season, according to today’s update.

It is not Lionel Messi who is being discussed, but Rayane Messi, the name of the young attacker.

According to Africafoot, both Standard and KV Mechelen have shown interest in the French Ligue 1 player from RC Strasbourg, who is regarded in France as a great talent.

Rayane Messi remains under contract with Strasbourg until 2030, but he appears to have limited prospects of first‑team minutes at the French club.

The French side is therefore open to another loan spell, with Standard, KV Mechelen and Swiss side FC Luzern mentioned as possible destinations.

A permanent transfer is seen as financially difficult; Transfermarkt values the winger at roughly €2.8 million.

Africafoot adds that a loan deal with an option to buy is within the realm of possibility.

Last season Messi spent time on loan at the wealthy Neom FC in Saudi Arabia, making 13 appearances and recording one goal and one assist.

In France he is celebrated as a top talent and has already featured for several French national youth teams, underscoring his potential to make an impact in Belgian football.