Just two days ago at Daugava Stadium, Kristiāns Mežsargs reached an important milestone, scoring his first goal for Latvia’s U-21 national team. The 20-year-old forward, currently developing within the Como 1907 system, continues to build a compelling case as one of Latvia’s most promising young talents. After the match against Northern Ireland, Mežsargs spoke to Baltic Football News, reflecting on his journey in Italy, his role within the national setup, and his ambitions for the near future.
A product of the FK Metta academy, Mežsargs moved to Italy in January 2022, just before turning 16, joining Frosinone Calcio. Over three seasons in the club’s youth ranks, he developed into a consistent goal threat, scoring 29 goals in 70 matches across U-17 and Primavera levels.
His breakout came at the start of the 2024/25 campaign, when he exploded with eight goals and four assists in his first nine Primavera 2 matches, quickly attracting interest from several Italian clubs. Ultimately, Como 1907 emerged as the most determined suitor and were willing to meet Frosinone Calcio’s demands, moving decisively in the winter of 2025 and reportedly paying around €250,000 to secure his signature.
The transfer, however, nearly collapsed at the final stage. Mežsargs suffered a broken toe in a Primavera match shortly before the deal was completed, leaving Como with a difficult decision – sign an injured player or walk away. Sporting director Carlalberto Ludi ultimately chose to proceed, convinced by the Latvian’s potential. Mežsargs officially joined the club on deadline day – on crutches – and was sidelined for the first three months following the move.
Now, a year into his time at Como 1907, he is repaying that faith. Featuring for the Primavera side, Mežsargs has scored 12 goals in 19 matches this season, making him the second top scorer in the Primavera 2-A league. His form has been particularly impressive in 2026, with eight goals in 11 games, including a hat-trick against AS Cittadella.
Como’s youth team is also flying high, sitting top of the league with six rounds to go, four points ahead of Calcio Lecco 1912, with a crucial clash between the two sides looming on Saturday. Promotion back to Primavera 1 is firmly within reach.
Despite his individual success, Mežsargs revealed that a winter loan move to senior football was discussed. After conversations with the club and his representatives at MVP Agency – which also represents former German international and current Fiorentina player Robin Gosens – it was decided he would remain with the Primavera side for the remainder of the season. With a contract running until 2028, the next step will likely be evaluated in the summer – whether he can be good enough to battle for the first team spot or go on loan.
On the international stage, Mežsargs continues to adapt to a slightly different role. Under Jakub Dovalil in the Latvia U-21 setup, he has often been deployed on the right wing rather than in his natural central striker position.
“At the club, I’m more of a number nine, but here I play on the wing. It’s something I’m still getting used to,” he admitted.
Still, his striker’s instinct was evident in his goal against Northern Ireland. Starting from the right flank, with Mežsargs cutting inside he received the ball, beat his defender with two quick touches, and calmly finished one-on-one to give Latvia the lead. The move, he revealed, was entirely his own decision rather than a tactical instruction. “That was my own choice – to go inside,” he said.
Although Latvia ultimately suffered a 1-3 defeat after conceding three unanswered goals, the moment marked a significant personal breakthrough as he scored his first ever U-21 goal. Since debuting for the U-21 side in June 2025 against Austria, Mežsargs has now made six appearances and is steadily growing into his role.
Meanwhile, the environment at Como continues to fuel his development. Widely regarded as one of the most exciting projects in Italian football, the club places strong emphasis on integrating youth players into the senior setup.
“The club and the city are top,” Mežsargs said. “They really focus on developing young players, and the connection between the youth team and the first team is very close.”
He regularly trains with the senior squad once or twice a week, with club leadership closely monitoring the progress of Primavera players.
Como’s first team, led by Cesc Fabregas, has become one of the stories of the Serie A season. After finishing 10th last year in their first top-flight campaign since 2002/03, they now sit fourth with eight matches remaining, pushing for a historic first qualification to European competition – and even a place in the UEFA Champions League.
For Mežsargs, the dream is already taking shape. His immediate goal is to break into the matchday squad before the end of the season – a step that would bring him within touching distance of a Serie A debut.
He has already had brief but meaningful interactions with Fabregas. “After I scored in one match, I was called up to train with the first team two days later,” Mežsargs revealed. “Fabregas came up to me, greeted me, and said, ‘Well done, that was a good goal.’ He follows everything – he knows what’s happening with us.”
