'I'm a big fan of Messi' - Argentina U17 World Cup wonderkid Claudio Echeverri reveals desire to follow in Leo's Barcelona footsteps despite transfer interest from Real Madrid and Man City

The 17-year-old River Plate midfielder recently grabbed the limelight after his brilliant hat-trick helped Argentina beat arch-rivals Brazil 3-0 and knock them out of the ongoing U17 World Cup in Indonesia. His recent performances for his country have alarmed several top European clubs who are now keen on signing him, according to SPORT.

The most notable names among the interested clubs are Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid and Manchester City but it is believed that Barcelona might have the upper hand in the transfer race as the player himself dreams of representing the Catalan giants in the future.

Speaking to reporters right before the World Cup, the teenager said, "As well as River, I would like to play for Barça. I’m a big fan of Messi and I used to watch him play for Barcelona, so I’ve had this team inside me since I was very young."

While the player himself has professed his desire to play for the Catalan club, Barcelona are yet to show their desire to sign the Argentine. Things might change though, if he manages to go all the way with his country and bag the trophy.

La Albiceleste are in red-hot form in the knockout stages having thrashed Venezuela 5-0 in the round of 16 and then run riot against Brazil in the last-eight stage. They will now face Germany in the semi-final on November 28.