'I'm going to run to him!' - Lionel Messi showdown excites Estevao Willian as 'Messinho' prepares for first-ever meeting with GOAT at FIFA Club World Cup

Estevao is set to experience a defining moment in his young career as he prepares to face Messi in the global tournament. And the teenager, who is widely regarded as one of Brazil’s most exciting prospects, is relishing the opportunity to go head-to-head with the football icon he grew up idolising.

Speaking about the prospect of sharing a pitch with the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, Estevao could barely contain his excitement.

"As soon as the final whistle blows, I’m going to run to him so we can swap shirts," he told The Athletic. "But before that, I’ll be giving my everything so Palmeiras walk off the field with three points."

Nicknamed “Messinho” during his days at Cruzeiro’s academy due to his playing style and flair, the 18-year-old has always looked up to Messi as a source of inspiration.

"He’s a player I have always looked up to," he said. "When I was a kid, I would watch videos of him, then go out to the pitch and try to copy what I had seen."

In addition to idolising Messi, Estevao has also taken inspiration from Brazilian superstar Neymar, another player who left a significant mark on Barcelona and global football. The youngster revealed a touching moment when the Santos star personally reached out to him after he missed a crucial penalty in a draw against Corinthians.

"Neymar is an idol, a reference point in Brazilian football," he said. "I grew up watching him shine in a Brazil shirt, so I was really happy when he sent me that message. I was sad to have missed the penalty, and it was incredible to get support from a superstar I have always admired. We spent some time together at the Sao Paulo state championship awards ceremony and, more recently, when he visited the national team camp. I dream of playing with him for Brazil one day. I hope I can make it come true."

Estevao is determined to leave the club on a high, hoping to help his side go deep into the Club World Cup while bidding farewell to the club where he blossomed into a household name in Brazil.

"I couldn’t have chosen a better way to end this stage of my career," he said. "Palmeiras is my home, and being able to say goodbye while competing for a Club World Cup…It’s indescribable."

Following the conclusion of the Club World Cup, Estevao is set to join Chelsea ahead of the 2025-26 Premier League campaign. Under new manager Enzo Maresca, he will begin training with his new teammates in pre-season, where fans will be eager to catch a glimpse of their new signing.