BRAZIL

Messinho, the Brazilian dreaming of Barcelona

Estevão Willian, one of Brazil’s stars at the U-17 World Cup, was the standout player in the 9-0 win over New Caledonia with a goal and three assists.

ADI WEDAEFE

From the Palmeiras youth academy, globally renowned players like Roberto Carlos and Rivaldo have emerged, as well as young talents who, without even setting foot in Europe, are already attracting interest from across the old continent. The latest prominent example is Endrick, being the first underage player to be called up for Brazil’s senior squad since Ronaldo in 1993. Another name gaining strength in the lower ranks of Verdão is Estevão Willian, better known as the headline-grabbing ‘Messinho’, who also has suitors on the other side of the Atlantic.

Messinho: another Brazilian gem

This Brazilian talent belongs to the 2007 generation that is dazzling for their country and, at the moment, in the U-17 World Cup with Brazil. Messinho was the standout player for Canarinha in the 9-0 victory over New Caledonia. The Palmeiras star provided the assist that opened the scoring before the half-hour mark and then scored a fantastic goal from outside the box. In addition, he assisted two more goals for his teammates. His contributions allowed Canarinha to secure the first three points in the World Cup in Indonesia.

Messinho: Madrid, Barcelona, City, PSG...

Following cases like Neymar, Rodrygo Goes, Gabriel Martinelli and Vinicius, among others, top European clubs are looking to capture Brazilian talents before they are signed by other UEFA rivals. PSG already reportedly offered €50 million for Estevão, but it was rejected by Palmeiras. Manchester City also expressed interest, although Messinho dreams of a move to LaLiga’s Barcelona, who would have to pay his €60 million release clause as he signed his first professional contract until 2026 in April, when he turned 16.

“He plays like Messi,” his agent André Curry said in an interview with with us at AS in August. “The truth is he wants to get rid of the nickname. His name is Estevão.

“One time he arrived at Palmeiras’ training centre with his father, and the person at the gate asked me about them. I answered by saying he was Estevão’s father. They then came up with ‘Messinho’.”

Estevão: “Barcelona is my dream”

Coincidentally, he shares an agent with Vitor Roque, who will join Barcelona in 2024. Additionally, the arrival of Deco to Barcelona’s sporting direction is a factor to consider when approaching these types of operations.

“I watch almost every Barcelona game; I am a fan of the club,” Estevão admitted in an interview with Mundo Deportivo. “I have great admiration for the players who play there, and I hope to be there too. Playing for Barcelona, which is one of the best clubs in the world, is my dream. I was born watching Neymar, Messi, and Suárez play for Barcelona, and that’s the dream I have.”

After these statements in April and his recent standout performance in the U-17 World Cup, there is no doubt that Estevão (or Messinho if he doesn’t lose the tag) will soon end up at a top European club. Barcelona appear to have the upper hand but must move quickly if they want to secure the next big Brazilian star.

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