Estevao Willian reveals hope of swapping shirts with Lionel Messi in FIFA Club World Cup

Both teams will take on each other in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025.

Estevao Willian, a wunderkind headed to Chelsea, has disclosed that he intends to trade shirts with Lionel Messi prior to moving to Stamford Bridge.

In the redesigned FIFA Club World, the teenage forward, who will soon transfer to English team Chelsea in the summer of 2025 after turning 18, has been given a dream draw with his “idol.” In the competition’s group stage, Estevao’s present club, Palmeiras, will play Inter Miami.

Estevao told ESPN Brasil that he is already anticipating that ideal date and the chance to share the field with eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi: “I will request his shirt! Who knows, perhaps you’ll win the game or score a goal. That, in my opinion, is the most crucial factor.

Estevao is lovingly referred to as “Messinho,” which translates to “Little Messi.” He aspires to carry on the legendary career of a player he has long admired. “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,” he continued, referring to the man who most inspires him.

“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 take on Messi and company in the Herons’ own backyard on June 23, 2025. Inter Miami will take on Brazilian opponents at Hard Rock Stadium in Florida, home of the Miami Dolphins NFL team.

Meanwhile, the Herons participating in the competition have been described as controversial as they failed to win the MLS Cup after getting eliminated from the tournament by Atlanta in the tri-series games. Meanwhile, Messi will next be seen in action when the new season starts in late February or early March.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Telegram.