Chelsea-bound wonderkid Estevao Willian planning Lionel Messi shirt swap after landing dream date with Inter Miami ‘idol’

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.

Estevao is already looking forward to that dream date, telling ESPN Brasil 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.”

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.”

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.