Messi’s impact at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025: ‘My legs were shaking,’ admits Inter Miami opponent

Inter Miami pulled off an unexpected qualification to the Round of 16 at the FIFA Club World Cup, where they’ll face Paris Saint-Germain. A huge part of that achievement is thanks to the contributions of Lionel Messi, who especially stood out in the crucial win over Porto. Now, one of the Group A opponents has spoken about what it meant to face the Argentine forward.

“My legs were shaking at the start of the match,” admitted Estevao Willian, Palmeiras’ young star, after his team’s 2-2 draw with Inter Miami on Matchday 3 of the tournament, this past Monday at Hard Rock Stadium.

Estevao later explained what facing Messi meant to him. “The moment I saw him, I felt this huge emotion,” he said. “He’s an idol, a reference for me. It’s an experience I’ll never forget. It was a pleasure to share the field with him.”

Both Lionel Messi and Estevao started for their respective teams in that match and played the full 90 minutes. In fact, images of the two exchanging shirts as they walked back to the locker rooms at halftime went viral—no doubt a souvenir the young forward will treasure.

Palmeiras star Estevao

Who is Estevao Willian?

Estevao Willian is not only a key piece for Palmeiras in the Club World Cup, but also one of the brightest young talents in Brazilian soccer. At just 10 years old, he became the youngest Brazilian player ever to sign a sponsorship deal with Nike.

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He made his professional debut in December 2023 at age 16, in a Serie A match against Cruzeiro. Since then, he has established himself as a central figure for the club, scoring 26 goals and adding 15 assists in 81 appearances across the Brazilian league, Campeonato Paulista, Copa do Brasil, and international competitions.

His performances quickly drew the attention of top European clubs, and it was Chelsea who ultimately secured his signature. The English side agreed to a $71 million deal for the winger, who will join Enzo Maresca’s squad after the Club World Cup to begin working with his new teammates ahead of the 2025–26 season.

Estevao and his connection to Messi

Estevao Willian’s admiration for Lionel Messi goes beyond words. When he first started gaining recognition in South America, he wasn’t known by his given name—but by his childhood nickname: Messinho (Little Messi). The nickname reflects not just the similarities in their playing styles, but also the deep admiration Estevao has for the Argentine superstar.

In fact, when the Club World Cup draw took place in December 2024, Estevao spoke publicly about what it meant to face Messi. “When we fell into his group, I couldn’t believe I was going to face my biggest idol, someone who is a reference on and off the field for me,” Estevao said in an interview with ESPN at the time.