Estevao Willian Lionel MessiGOAL/Getty

Chelsea-bound Estevao Willian told how to handle Lionel Messi ahead of Club World Cup clash between Palmeiras and Inter Miami

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  • Willian told how to stop Messi in CWC
  • Chelsea-bound star idolises World Cup winner
  • Palmeiras face Inter Miami at Hard Rock Stadium
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  • Estevao Willian PalmeirasGetty

    WHAT HAPPENED?

    Estevao Willian, who is all set to formally complete his Chelsea move this summer, has displayed brilliant form for Palmeiras in the Club World Cup. He collected two player of the match awards in as many games in the competition, as the Brazilian giants have all but confirmed their place in the knockout stage after collecting four points from their first two games. Palmeiras will now take on Messi's Inter Miami in their final group game on Monday.

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  • Lionel Messi Inter Miami 2025Getty Images

    THE BIGGER PICTURE

    Ahead of facing his childhood idol, Willian, who is also fondly known as Messinho for his similarity in playing style with the Argentina icon, Palmeiras boss Ferreira cautioned his player against getting star-struck on the pitch. The manager even chalked out a strategy for the youngster on how to keep a check on the 37-year-old.

  • WHAT PALMEIRAS BOSS SAID

    Speaking to reporters, Ferreira said: "Honestly, I hope he [ Estevao] is totally focused on what he has to do and doesn't just look at and admire the other [Messi]. That's what I hope (laughs). Estêvão is a youngster who has above-average competitive maturity, which is why he's already sold (to Chelsea). I hope we play a great game in attack and defence. He'll have to be committed defensively, given the dynamics of our opponent.

    "At the end of the game, if Estêvão has the opportunity and wants to ask for an autograph or a photo, that's no problem (laughs). But for the 90 minutes, he must stay focused on his task, which is what I believe he will do. In the end, he will have the opportunity to say that he played against one of the greatest in the history of world football. That is undeniable."

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  • WHAT NEXT?

    The two sides will lock horns at Miami's Hard Rock Stadium. A draw will confirm a round of 16 berth each for Palmeiras and the Herons.

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