Chelsea-bound wonderkid Estevao Willian has shared his excitement about a potential shirt swap with Lionel Messi before he heads to Stamford Bridge. The teenage forward, set to join Chelsea in the summer of 2025 after turning 18, has been handed the opportunity to face his “idol” in the revamped FIFA Club World Cup.
Estevao’s current team, Palmeiras, will face Inter Miami in the group stage of the competition, offering the young talent a chance to share the pitch with eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi. Speaking to ESPN Brasil, Estevao expressed his anticipation: “I’m going to ask for his shirt! Who knows, maybe I’ll score a goal, win the game… but that’s the most important thing.”
Nicknamed “Messinho,” meaning “Little Messi,” Estevao hopes to emulate the career of the legendary Argentine, who has long been his inspiration. Reflecting on the upcoming match, he said, “When we landed in his group, I couldn’t believe I’d be facing my biggest idol, someone who is a role model on and off the pitch. It’s going to be a special moment—not just for me, but for all Palmeiras fans and players. It will be incredibly significant.”
The matchup will take place on June 23, 2025, at the Hard Rock Stadium in Florida, home of the Miami Dolphins NFL team, as Palmeiras face Messi and Inter Miami on their home turf.
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