[[File:Luka Romero (AC Milan).png|thumb|Luka Romero playing for AC Milan in 2023.]]
Luka Romero Bezzana (born 18 November 2004) is an Argentine professional [[footballer]] who plays as an attacking midfielder or winger for Serie A club [[AC Milan]]. Renowned for his early debut in [[La Liga]], he holds the record as the youngest player ever to appear in the Spanish top flight.
Early Life and Youth Career
Romero was born in [[Durango, Victoria de Durango|Durango]], [[Mexico]], to Argentine parents. His father, Diego Romero, was also a professional footballer. The family moved frequently due to his father's career, living in Spain before settling in [[Mallorca]], Spain, when Luka was three years old. He began playing football at a very young age, showing exceptional talent.Romero joined the youth academy of [[RCD Mallorca]] at the age of seven, having previously played for local Balearic clubs like Sant Jordi and Penya Arrabal. His prodigious talent quickly garnered attention, with some media outlets dubbing him "the Mexican Messi" due to his birthplace, although he identifies as Argentine and represents Argentina internationally.
Club Career
RCD Mallorca
Romero rapidly progressed through Mallorca's youth ranks. His breakthrough into the senior team came during the 2019–20 season. On 24 June 2020, at the age of 15 years and 219 days, he made his [[La Liga]] debut, coming on as a substitute in the 83rd minute against [[Real Madrid CF]]. This appearance made him the youngest player ever to play in La Liga, breaking the 81-year-old record set by [[Francisco Bao Rodríguez|Sansón]] in 1939.He made several more appearances for Mallorca in the subsequent seasons, including in the Segunda División, showcasing flashes of his skill and potential.
SS Lazio
On 19 July 2021, Romero signed a professional contract with [[Serie A]] club [[SS Lazio]]. He made his debut for the Roman club on 19 August 2021, in a Serie A match against [[Empoli FC]], becoming the youngest foreign player to debut for Lazio in the league. He primarily featured for the club's youth team, the Primavera, but also made occasional first-team appearances.On 16 February 2023, Romero scored his first senior goal for Lazio in a [[UEFA Europa Conference League]] knockout round playoff match against [[CFR Cluj]], becoming the youngest Argentine player to score in a European club competition at 18 years and 90 days.
AC Milan
Following the expiration of his contract with Lazio, Romero joined [[AC Milan]] on 6 July 2023, signing a four-year deal with the Rossoneri. He made his debut for Milan on 21 August 2023, coming on as a substitute in a Serie A match against [[Bologna FC 1909|Bologna]].=Loan to UD Almería
= On 22 January 2024, Romero was loaned to [[UD Almería]] in La Liga until the end of the 2023–24 season. He made a significant impact during his loan spell, scoring his first goal for Almería on 24 February 2024 against [[Atlético Madrid]], followed by another goal against his former club, Mallorca, on 17 March 2024. Despite his individual contributions, Almería was ultimately relegated from La Liga.International Career
Romero is eligible to represent three national teams: [[Argentina national football team|Argentina]] (through his parents), [[Mexico national football team|Mexico]] (by birth), and [[Spain national football team|Spain]] (having lived there since he was three and holding Spanish citizenship). He has publicly stated his desire to represent Argentina.He has represented Argentina at various youth levels.
- Argentina U15: He played for the Argentina U15 team at the 2019 South American U-15 Championship, where they reached the final.
- Argentina U17: He was called up to the Argentina U17 squad.
- Argentina U20: Romero has been a prominent player for the Argentina U20 team, participating in the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup, where he scored two goals.
He has not yet received a call-up to the senior Argentina national team but is considered a promising talent for the future.
Style of Play
Luka Romero is primarily an attacking midfielder or right winger. He is known for his:- Left-footed ability: Possessing a strong left foot, he often cuts inside from the right wing to shoot or create chances.
- Dribbling and close control: His low center of gravity and excellent ball control allow him to weave past defenders in tight spaces.
- Creativity and vision: He has a good eye for a pass and can unlock defenses with his playmaking.
- Agility and pace: He is quick off the mark and agile, making him difficult for defenders to mark.
- Work rate: Despite his attacking flair, he also contributes defensively.
His playing style has drawn comparisons to other left-footed Argentine forwards, particularly at a young age, leading to the "Mini Messi" moniker.
Honours
- Individual:
- Youngest player to debut in La Liga: 15 years, 219 days (2020)
References
- [https://www.transfermarkt.com/luka-romero/profil/spieler/668381 Luka Romero - Player profile on Transfermarkt]
- [https://www.goal.com/en/news/who-is-luka-romero-mallorcas-15-year-old-wonderkid-dubbed-the-mexican-messi/1a7g6qps6v42j11i46wz71r40n Who is Luka Romero? Mallorcas 15-year-old wonderkid dubbed 'the Mexican Messi'] - Goal.com
- [https://www.acmilan.com/en/news/articles/media/2023-07-06/official-statement-luka-romero Official Statement: Luka Romero] - AC Milan website