Lionel Messi showed his true colours following Inter Miami's clash against Palmeiras in the Club World Cup. The MLS outfit held the Brazilian giants to a 2-2 draw at the Hard Rock Stadium on Monday night as they each booked a spot in the knockout stages.
Tadeo Allende fired Inter ahead inside the opening quarter of an hour before Luis Suarez doubled the lead just after the hour mark. David Beckham's side squandered their advantage in the final minutes of the clash, with Paulinho and Mauricio netting late to salvage a point for Palmeiras.
Inter finished as runners-up in Group A, and they'll lock horns with Paris Saint-Germain in the round of 16 on Sunday. Meanwhile, the Verdão, who topped the group, will face their rival Botafogo on Saturday.
At half-time, Messi swapped shirts with Estevao Willian, who Chelsea signed last summer for an initial £29m, which could rise to £55m with performance-based add-ons, in the tunnel. After exchanging their tops, the duo shook hands.
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Then, after the game, Estevao also swapped shirts with Suarez, who was named man of the match. The former Liverpool and Barcelona striker embraced the Chelsea youngster before offering him some words of wisdom.
Neither Messi nor Suarez had to swap shirts with Estevao, but they showed their true colours by sparing a few moments of their time for the teenage sensation. Chelsea raised eyebrows when they forked out an eye-watering fee for the youngster, but now he looks to be a shrewd investment.
This summer, Estevao has caught the eye at the Club World Cup, winning man of the match in two of his three appearances. Fortunately for Enzo Maresca, he's set to add the Brazil international to his squad after the tournament.
In an interview with the Mail Online last week, Cole Palmer was quizzed on Estevao ahead of his arrival later this summer. The Chelsea talisman said: "He’s a really good player. I’ve spoken to him a few times.
"He doesn’t speak much English, so it was a case of Google Translate, but I’ve had a few conversations with him saying I’m looking forward to seeing him and playing with him."
Speaking to ESPN Brasil earlier this month, Estevao commented on his move to Chelsea. He said: "It means everything. It's a dream come true for me. I've always dreamed of playing in Europe alongside the best.
Estêvão of SE Palmeiras gestures during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group A match between SE Palmeiras and FC Porto at MetLife Stadium on June 15, 2025
Estevao Willian during Palmeiras' clash against Porto (Image: Photo by Richard Callis/Sports Press Photo/Getty Images)
"Playing in important competitions, such as the Champions League and the Premier League. It's a dream come true. It will be very important for my life.
"It's a dream of mine and my family's. It will be an incredible opportunity to play for one of the biggest clubs in the world. And I hope to get there and adapt as quickly as possible. I want to play. It's the thing I love doing most, what I enjoy most."
Estevao added: "Of course, I know I will have difficulties, but I will be with my family, who are the pillar of my life. It will be an important step for me and my family. I hope it will be the best possible way. London, Chelsea... it couldn't be better."
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Chelsea flag prior the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final Leg One match between Chelsea FC and Real Madrid at Stamford Bridge. (Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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