Estevao Willian is otherwise known as Little Messi or Messinho
Estevao Willian is otherwise known as Little Messi or Messinho
Future Chelsea star Estevao Willian has revealed that he is excited at the prospect of facing his idol Lionel Messi in the FIFA Club World Cup next summer. The teenager will represent Palmeiras, who have been drawn against Messi's Inter Miami in the group stage of the competition.
While 17-year-old prodigy Estevao Willian has repeatedly rejected the 'Messinho' tag, it has been impossible not to draw parallels with the Argentine great. The young Brazil international lit up the Brasileirao Serie A in his first full season, winning the league's Best Young Player and Best Forward awards.
Estevao Willian will move to Chelsea after he turns 18 in the summer of 2025, having agreed on a deal with the Premier League side earlier this year. The teenager will participate in the Club World Cup with Palmeiras, and he spoke to ESPN Brasil about his excitement at facing Lionel Messi in the summer.
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“When I knew we were in the same group as Messi, I couldn’t believe I would be facing my idol and my biggest reference on and off the pitch. It will be a very special moment for me and I will definitely ask for his shirt!" Estevao said via All About Argentina.
Palmeiras are in Group A alongside FC Porto, Inter Miami, and Al-Ahly. The Brazilian outfit won the Copa Libertadores in 2020 and 2021 to book their passage into the Club World Cup this year. Similarly, Lionel Messi inspired Inter Miami to reach the competition by leading them to win the MLS Supporters' Shield.
Estevao Willian's parent club, Chelsea, will also participate in the competition, and the youngster will join them immediately after the tournament as has been agreed. Having scored 13 goals and contributed nine assists in the league for Palmeiras this season, he will be keen to make his mark in the Club World Cup.
Chelsea star was compared to Lionel Messi following win over Spurs
Chelsea's main man Cole Palmer has received great plaudits since his arrival at the club. However, arguably the greatest of compliments arrived following the win over Tottenham Hotspur last Sunday. The 22-year-old was likened to Lionel Messi by pundit Gary Lineker after his side's 4-3 win away from home.
Lineker spoke on the Rest is Football podcast about the performance of the former Manchester City star, pointing out some of his brilliant actions. He also praised him for his well-taken pair of penalties which turned the game on its head. Linkeker said (via Football Transfers):
“Spurs still had the odd chance on the counter attack, but Cole Palmer. The little assist that he got, he came in from the touchline, it was almost Messi-esque. And then he scored two penalties, the second was a little Panenka which was beautifully taken. What a talent.”
Palmer scored twice in the game to help his side pick up three valuable points away to Spurs, taking his tally in the league to 11 goals. He also became the first player in Premier League history to score his first 12 penalty attempts without a miss.