Chelsea-bound wonderkid Estevao Willian has revealed that he is planning a shirt swap with Lionel Messi before heading to Stamford Bridge.

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• Brazilian youngster heading to England in 2025
• Will compete at FIFA Club World Cup with Palmeiras
• Set to face Messi & MLS outfit at the group stage

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  The teenage forward, who will complete a move to England in the summer of 2025 once he has turned 18, has been handed a dream draw with his “idol” in the revamped FIFA Club World. Estevao’s current employers, Palmeiras, are set to take on Inter Miami in the group stage of that competition.

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• WHAT ESTEVAO SAID

  Estevao is already looking forward to that dream date, telling of an opportunity to grace the same pitch as eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi: “I'm going to ask for his shirt! Who knows, maybe score a goal, win the game … I think that's the most important thing.”

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Estevao is affectionately known as ‘Messinho’ – which means ‘Little Messi’ – and is hoping to follow in the illustrious footsteps of an all-time great that he has always looked up to. He added on the man that inspires him the most: “When we fell into his group, I couldn't believe that I was going to face my biggest idol, a guy who is a reference on and off the field for me.

  “It's going to be a special moment, not only for me, but for all Palmeiras fans, the players. I think it will be very important.”

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• WHAT NEXT?

  Palmeiras will face Messi and Co in the Herons' own backyard, with Inter Miami preparing to tackle Brazilian opposition on June 23, 2025 at Hard Rock Stadium in Florida – the home of the Miami Dolphins NFL franchise.

Tags: Futebol
Category: News