17-year-old Luka Romero proved the difference maker for Lazio in their win over Monza, showing why Lionel Messi recommended the teenager to Paris Saint-Germain.
The Biancocelesti signed the Argentinian talent from RCD Mallorca last summer in a deal worth around €200,000, adding La Liga’s youngest ever debutant to their youth system. Romero immediately impressed Maurizio Sarri at the pre-season training camp and earnt a spot in the first team, making a handful of appearances in the Italian capital.
Romero was given his greatest chance yet under Sarri in Lazio’s game against Monza yesterday, coming on at half time in place of Matteo Cancellieri. The 17-year-old looked incredibly exciting on the pitch and his smart off-the-ball movement led to his debut Biancocelesti goal in the 69th minute following a parried Pedro shot.
The 17-year-old’s growth saw him receive a call up by Lionel Scaloni to the Argentina first team training camp earlier this year, where he met and worked alongside Messi. The seven time Ballon d’Or winner was so impressed that he suggested that PSG sign the teenager in the summer.
Romero stayed in the Italian capital and Lazio are now working on tying him down to a new long-term deal, with president Claudio Lotito recently saying that “he is and will be the future of Lazio.”