Estevao reveals admiration for Lionel Messi ahead of Club World Cup clash - 'As soon as the final whistle blows, I’m going to run to him'

Palmeiras winger Estevao has revealed he will "run" to Lionel Messi at the end of the FIFA Club World Cup encounter with Inter Miami next Tuesday, in a bid to swap shirts with the Argentina great. Estevao, who was nicknamed 'Messinho' as a boy, is set to move to Chelsea for an initial £29 million upon the conclusion of the Club World Cup. The Brazilian also spoke of his admiration for Neymar.

Chelsea’s incoming starlet Estevao has revealed he will "run" to Lionel Messi at the end of Palmeiras’ FIFA Club World Cup encounter with Inter Miami next week, in a bid to swap shirts with the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner.

Palmeiras’ teenage winger Estevao has dazzled to such an extent in the first 18 months of his career, that he is set to move to Stamford Bridge for an initial £29 million upon the conclusion of the Club World Cup.

Ahead of the transfer, the 18-year-old, who was nicknamed ‘Messinho’ when in Cruzeiro’s academy, is looking to make a mark in his final games with Palmeiras, including against Inter Miami next Tuesday. 

International friendlies

Messi breaks another record to surpass former Barcelona team-mate Neymar

15/10/2025 at 14:45

"He’s a player I have always looked up to," Estevao told The Athletic when speaking about the prospect of going toe-to-toe with Argentina great Messi.

"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.

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

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

Messi returns for Argentina's latest matches against Chile and Colombia

Video credit: TNT Sports

Estevao added that he also models his game on another Barcelona icon, Neymar, and revealed that the Brazilian great had once sent him a private message of encouragement on Instagram after he missed a penalty in a 1-1 draw against 10-man 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. 

• Arsenal to sell defensive trio to raise funds for Gyokeres or Sesko - Paper Round
• 'Want to win it for my people' - Salah eager to lift Ballon d'Or for Egypt
• Frank calls for Spurs to be 'brave' as he seeks more 'magic moments'

"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."

Stream the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League and more on TNT Sports and discovery+

Ballon d’Or

Bonmati rejects Messi comparison despite third Ballon d'Or triumph

30/09/2025 at 11:59

Ballon d’Or

Messi 'so happy' for Dembele Ballon d'Or success, Mbappe praises star - 'You deserve it 1000 times'

23/09/2025 at 20:04