Chelsea youth player Kendry Paez is one of the most exciting young footballers in the world right now.

There is still optimism and belief that he can be an important player for the Blues down the road, even though he couldn’t join them until next summer.

Being a fixture for the senior Ecuadorian squad alongside club-record acquisition Moises Caicedo is proof of Paez’s quality.While still in his early career, he has already surpassed Pele and other South American football greats in terms of the amount of records he has established.

The World Cup holders defeated Argentina 1-0 in a friendly yesterday night, and the kid started in goal for Argentina, wearing jersey number 10.

Along with Enzo Fernandez, he faced Lionel Messi, probably the greatest player to wear that jersey number, who came on as a substitute in the second half.

Shirt swap between Lionel Messi and Kendry PaezA video posted on Twitter by ‘CFC Ecuadorians’ shows Paez and the Inter Miami player trying to trade shirts after the game. In the video, they also shake hands and exchange a few words.It is possible that Paez will become a superstar.The fact that the best player in the world was pleased to do it is evidence of how much faith the Blues legend has in the youngster’s ability to have a fantastic career.

Chelsea is reportedly already intending to send Paez to Strasbourg, after seeing how Andrey Santos performed during his loan spell there in the second half of the season.

Nevertheless, his previous performances indicate that he may be able to contribute immediately to the team at Stamford Bridge, regardless of the manager in control when he arrives.