---
title: "Arteta backs Messi’s verdict on Max Dowman as Gabriel vows to take penalties again"
canonical: "https://readarsenal.com/2026/10/14/max-dowman-messi-arteta-reaction/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Lucie Turner"
section: "Arsenal News"
published: "2026-10-14T13:00:00Z"
modified: "2026-10-14T13:00:00Z"
---

# Arteta backs Messi’s verdict on Max Dowman as Gabriel vows to take penalties again

Mikel Arteta has voiced his opinion on Max Dowman, having joined the growing group of people who believe that Lionel Messi has a good eye for spotting young talent.

The Argentine added the 16-year-old to the list of ten young footballers in the third season of Adidas’ “Messi +10” campaign, which was unveiled on Sunday.

Among the players, seven are men and three are women. Dowman is the youngest, and Can Uzun, Gilberto Mora, Kees Smit and Jesus Rodriguez are also on the list.

When questioned on the endorsement, Arteta responded that when the best player in history says something like that, you have to pay attention. The Spaniard said Messi’s eyes are better than anybody else’s and hoped he was right.

## **Arteta highlights what makes Dowman special**

He added that the teenager has ‘something special’ about him, highlighting what he has accomplished in such a short time, not to mention the maturity and presence that sets him apart from others of his age.

Dowman’s record so far backs that up. He became the youngest player in Champions League history at 15 years and 308 days when he came on against Slavia Prague last November.

In March he became the youngest goalscorer in both the Premier League and Arsenal’s history with a late goal against Everton, and in May he became the youngest Premier League winner ever. He was also back among the Arsenal substitutes in Tuesday’s 3-0 win over Lille.

## **Gabriel wants another chance**

Messi’s list wasn’t the only talking point from the Arsenal camp. Gabriel says last season’s Champions League final miss won’t put him off taking penalties again.

His spot-kick was the decisive miss as PSG won the shootout 4-3 after a 1-1 draw. It was also the first penalty he had ever taken for Arsenal. Arteta said at the time that the defender had prepared and trained for the moment.

Gabriel said anything could happen in a final and that he will be ready for another penalty if another penalty comes his way.

He added that his teammates had helped him a great deal after. He also picked out Marquinhos, who comforted him on the pitch, rather than joining in with the PSG celebrations.

Gabriel said he thanked the PSG captain later and that Marquinhos, who has missed a World Cup penalty himself, understood what he was going through.

## **Forest next, with City ahead**

Arteta turns his attention to the Premier League, where his side have fallen out of the top spot following a 3-0 home defeat by Brighton before the international break, with Manchester City now three points above them.

A 2-1 victory over Leeds, during which Arsenal overturned a deficit, gave them a confidence boost.

Nottingham Forest visit the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, with City entertaining Ipswich the day before. That would leave Arsenal six points behind their rivals by the time kick-off comes at the City Ground. This is something that Arteta will hope to avoid as he looks for his side to display the same fighting spirit they showed against Leeds.