Barcelona continues to hunt for talents across the world beyond just the regions of Europe. While the Old Continent has given La Blaugrana plenty of pleasant surprises, South America is no slouch in that regard either. As such, their scouting priority remains high in that region.
First came Vitor Roque, a Brazilian prodigy from Athletico Paranaense. 18 years of age and already a lethal striker pursued by many in Europe, Roque has showcased the quality South America possesses. His signature now lies with Barcelona, and there is another hopeful in Brazil hoping to follow his path.
Brazilian Messi
As brought to light by Mundo Deportivo, ‘Messinho’ is next in line to showcase true Brazilian quality to the world. Estevao Willian Almeida de Oliveira Gonçalves, nicknamed Messinho, is a 16-year-old Brazilian winger currently contracted to Palmeiras.
A dynamic winger by nature, he possesses qualities that have drawn a comparison between his playing style and that of Lionel Messi’s. Able to retain possession of the ball with it glued to his feet as he effortlessly drifts past his opponents, ‘Messinho’ is regarded by many as one to watch.
One to watch
Considered to be among the best young prospects in world football, the young 16-year-old has several things in his favor. At age 10, he already became the youngest Brazilian in history to sign a professional contract with Nike. Around the same time, he was training with the youth academy of Cruzeiro.
In 2021, the young Brazilian signed a youth contract with Palmeiras. Since then, he has achieved major success with various youth categories of the club. This success has translated into making him a much more renowned youth figure across the footballing world.
Familiar agent
Interestingly, his current agent is Andre Curry. The same agent represents Vitor Roque, who has already agreed to join Barcelona. Barcelona Sporting Director Deco sees Messinho as his next big goal, and has the support of the player and his agent.
According to the youngster’s trainer in Palmeiras, Joao Paulo, who is one of the club’s base technicians, had significant praise for the 16-year-old:
“Estevao is a prodigy. He could become one of the best players in the world; he has spectacular quality.”
Future “Ballon D’or”
The praise does not exactly stop right there. Andre Curry, his agent, highlights the player as a candidate to be among future ‘Ballon D’or’ winners. For now, the youngster continues to work on his physical and technical development. A recent interview of his has gone viral as well, one in which he highlights his dream of joining FC Barcelona and following his idol Messi’s footsteps.
