Brazilian wonderkid Estevao managed to get the shirts of Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez after playing against Inter Miami at the Club World Cup. Estevao was part of the Palmeiras side which drew 2-2 with Miami in Florida and he left the Hard Rock Stadium with two mementos.
Palmeiras came from 2-0 down to score two late goals and secure top spot in their group. Their comeback meant a last-16 tie against fellow Brazilian side Botafogo, instead of a much trickier game against Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain.
Tadeo Allende and Suarez put Javier Mascherano’s star-studded side in control before Paulinho and Mauricio hit back for Palmeiras. Estevao played the entire game on the wing for his side and enjoyed coming up against legends like Messi, Suarez, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba.
The 18-year-old will join Chelsea after the Club World Cup, after the Blues agreed a deal which could reach £49million. He is making the most of his final games for Palmeiras but couldn’t contain his excitement at coming up against his childhood hero Messi.
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Estevao spoke about his love for the Argentina great before the game, but just couldn’t wait to get his hands on Messi’s shirt. He was filmed swapping jerseys and sharing an embrace with the Miami forward in the tunnel at half-time.
That early swap allowed him to do so again with Suarez after the final whistle. Estevao later shared his spoils to his 3million followers on Instagram.
"He’s a player I have always looked up to," Estevao told The Athletic of 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."
Estevao was nicknamed ‘Messinho’ when in Cruzeiro’s academy, but he also looked up to his former Barca team-mate Neymar. The Brazilian icon went up in his ranking after reaching out during a difficult time, having sent a message 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 added. "I grew up watching him shine in a Brazil shirt, so I was really happy when he sent me that message.
"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.".
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