Estevao Willian’s Memorable Night: Swapping Shirts with Legends Messi and Suarez at Club World Cup
In a thrilling encounter at the FIFA Club World Cup on June 23, 2025, Palmeiras’ teenage sensation Estevao Willian, affectionately dubbed “Messinho,” lived out a dream that many young footballers can only imagine. The 18-year-old Brazilian wonderkid, soon to join Chelsea in a blockbuster £29m deal, swapped shirts with not one but two footballing icons—Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez—during and after a 2-2 draw between Palmeiras and Inter Miami at the Hard Rock Stadium in Florida. This heartwarming moment, captured on social media and celebrated by fans worldwide, underscored Estevao’s rising star status and the mutual respect shared with two of the game’s greatest players.
A Starstruck Half-Time Swap with Messi
Estevao, who has openly expressed his admiration for Lionel Messi, couldn’t wait until the final whistle to secure a memento from his idol. At half-time, with the score still at 1-0 in Inter Miami’s favor, the young winger was filmed in the tunnel exchanging jerseys with the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner. The pair shared a warm embrace, a moment that sent social media into a frenzy, with fans proclaiming, “Greatness recognizes future greatness” and “The mantle is passed on.” Estevao, who has earned the nickname “Messinho” for his Messi-like dribbling and flair, later shared the prized jersey on his Instagram, delighting his 3 million followers.
Speaking to The Athletic before the match, Estevao revealed his lifelong admiration for Messi: “He’s a player I have always looked up to. 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.” Despite his pre-game promise to “run to Messi” for a shirt swap only after securing a win for Palmeiras, the teenager’s excitement got the better of him, leading to the early exchange. The move, while unconventional, was made possible as players often change into fresh kits for the second half, and it showcased Messi’s class in indulging the young star’s request.
Estêvão x Suarez.pic.twitter.com/ocvmrN1JG1 https://t.co/5KSMk62Uos
— CFC-Blues (@CFCBlues_com) June 24, 2025
Completing the Double with Suarez
Estevao’s memorable night didn’t end with Messi’s jersey. After the final whistle, he sought out Inter Miami’s veteran striker Luis Suarez, who had scored and assisted in the match, to complete a remarkable double. The Uruguayan legend, known for his prolific career at clubs like Liverpool, Barcelona, and Atlético Madrid, warmly embraced Estevao and offered words of wisdom before handing over his match-worn shirt. The exchange, captured in a photo shared by Goals Side on X, was another testament to Estevao’s ability to earn the respect of football’s elite.
Suarez’s performance had been pivotal, doubling Inter Miami’s lead just after the hour mark with a goal set up by Messi’s sublime play. However, Palmeiras staged a late comeback with goals from Paulinho and Mauricio, securing a draw and top spot in their group. Estevao, playing the full 90 minutes on the wing, tormented Inter Miami’s defense with his dribbles and came close to scoring, earning praise for his dynamic display.
A Night to Remember for the Chelsea-Bound Star
For Estevao, the shirt swaps were the icing on the cake of an already significant night. The match marked one of his final appearances for Palmeiras before his move to Chelsea, where he is expected to join Enzo Maresca’s squad for the 2025/26 season. His performance at the Club World Cup, including man-of-the-match awards in two of his three appearances, has only heightened anticipation for his arrival at Stamford Bridge.
Reflecting on the exchanges, Estevao told Goal.com, “He [Messi] winked at me! It was a dream to share the pitch with him and Suarez, and to get their shirts is something I’ll cherish forever.” The teenager’s joy resonated with fans, with X posts buzzing with excitement. One user, @CFC_Jr88, wrote, “Both Suarez & Messi swapped shirts with Estevao. I know a star when I see one 🤩💫,” while @Ooadex added, “Estevão swapped shirts with Messi and Suarez same game. Greatness!”
A Gesture of Class from Messi and Suarez
The willingness of Messi and Suarez to swap shirts with Estevao highlighted their humility and respect for the next generation. Despite Inter Miami’s frustration at squandering a 2-0 lead, both players took time to acknowledge the young Brazilian’s talent. Messi, who was reportedly disappointed with his team’s performance and stormed off the pitch after the match, still showed his true colors by engaging with Estevao at half-time. Suarez, named man of the match, further demonstrated his mentorship qualities by offering advice to the Chelsea-bound star.
The Bigger Picture
Estevao’s double shirt swap was more than a personal triumph; it symbolized the passing of the torch in global football. Hailed as “the best Brazilian footballing product since Neymar” by Palmeiras’ academy head Joao Paulo Sampaio, Estevao has already scored 26 goals over the last two seasons and earned five caps for Brazil. His performances at the Club World Cup have only solidified his reputation as a future superstar.
For Palmeiras, the draw against Inter Miami secured a favorable last-16 tie against Botafogo, avoiding a tougher clash with Paris Saint-Germain. Inter Miami, meanwhile, advanced to face PSG in the knockout rounds. But beyond the result, the night belonged to Estevao, whose interactions with Messi and Suarez captured the hearts of football fans everywhere.
Looking Ahead
As Estevao prepares to embark on his European adventure with Chelsea, the shirts of Messi and Suarez will serve as cherished reminders of a night when he shared the stage with legends. For fans of the Blues, the glimpses of his talent and the endorsements from football’s greats are a tantalizing preview of what’s to come. If this Club World Cup moment is any indication, Estevao Willian is poised to light up the Premier League and beyond.
