Chelsea-bound wonderkid Estevao 'Messinho' Willian apologises for foul that left Sao Paulo player unconscious in horror Brazilian Serie A incident

The 17-year-old winger has an agreement in place that will see him become another attacking addition at Stamford Bridge after celebrating his 18th birthday in April 2025. For now, the youngster is continuing to pick up priceless experience in his native Brazil.

Messinho’s latest outing saw him to take the field in a derby date between Palmeiras and Sao Paulo. During that contest, the teenager competed for a high ball with Lanza, leading to the Tricolor defender taking a heavy tumble to the turf. Lanza was knocked out when hitting his head on the ground, with immediate medical attention waved onto the field.

Lanza was lifted into an ambulance on a stretcher and spent the night under close observation. He has since posted on social media when delivering an update on his condition: “Hey, everyone! Just passing by to calm you all down! I’m fine, thank God, with my family and friends. Thank you to everyone who sent me messages and prayers. Now it’s time to focus on recovery and let’s go for the next one.”

Messinho has posted a message of his own, saying: “Far from being on purpose, even further from being malicious. Those who know me know that I would never do that to a brother, a friend, a colleague, or anyone. Brother, I’m sorry. I’m here for anything you need, count on me, I hope you come back soon and recover as quickly as possible. Praying for you.”

The scary scene, which saw Lanza applauded from the field by both sets of supporters, occurred in a contest that Palmeiras won 2-1. It remains to be seen when Lanza will be cleared to return to action, but Messinho will continue to enhance his reputation in South America before eventually heading to England.