'Lionel Messi has the talent' - Estevao 'Messinho' Willian reveals truth behind his nickname and why he's also copying Cristiano Ronaldo

The 17-year-old - who will join Chelsea in 2025 when he turns 18 after agreeing a £56 million ($73.1m) deal this summer - has been dubbed 'Messinho' for years now, something the young Brazilian is somewhat bothered by. Despite that, the Palmeiras winger is in awe of Messi's "talent" and Ronaldo's work ethic.

He told The Guardian: "I like Neymar a lot too, Cristiano Ronaldo. But my reference is Messi for everything he’s done for football. The way he plays and what he does off the pitch is a guy I always have to look up to. And, of course, for me being left-footed like him favours as well. Some people are born with talent, others have to work hard. Good examples are Messi and Ronaldo. Messi has the talent, Ronaldo the effort. I look for both. Talent and dedication. Today in football you have to dedicate yourself, you have to keep to a schedule, train, travel, take care of yourself. You have to give up a lot. Without dedication you can’t get anywhere."

Estevao has been hailed as a generational talent by many, with the teenager scoring 11 goals and bagging eight assists for his club this season. That form also earned him his first Brazil caps but whether he will live up to his nickname and succeed at Chelsea remains to be seen.

The former Cruzeiro academy player may next be in action for Palmeiras when they take on Juventude on Monday, October 21, in their upcoming league match. His side currently sit second in the table heading into the final stretch of the season.