Genoa president Enrico Preziosi is excited about junior prospect Pietro Pellegri.

The 14 year-old has been likened to Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi.

"The next Messi? He's already in Genoa, and he's called [Pietro] Pellegri," said Preziosi.

"He's 14 and he plays for our youth team. He's an extraordinary kid, but I hope he doesn't hear me or he'll become full of himself."