FC Barcelona continue to monitor the most exciting prospects in football from across the world. While they find many in Europe, there is an equally lucrative market within other continents. South America, for instance, continues to conjure up some of the most supernatural talents to grace the beautiful game.
Having already snatched up Vitor Roque from Atletico Paranaense, Barcelona may now turn their attention elsewhere. One of the most promising upcoming stars from Brazilian football is Estevao Willian, more commonly known as ‘Messinho’.
The 16-year-old is a pure winger who specializes with his dribbling, passing prowess, and goal-scoring ability. Considered to be among the top prospects in the world, he recently revealed his dream of one day playing for FC Barcelona and following in the footsteps of his idol, Lionel Messi. Yet, to achieve that dream, he continues to showcase his merit.
As highlighted by Mundo Deportivo, ‘Messinho’ has managed to add another title to his trophy haul. The Brazilian prodigy was part of the Under-17 Palmeiras side that took on São Paulo for the Under-17 Campeonato Brasileiro. Moreover, he was the absolute point of difference to win the Palmeiras the match.
Scoring a great hattrick, ‘Messinho’ scored all the goals in Palmeiras’s 3-0 rout. His first goal was an absolute thing of beauty, as he weaved by the São Paulo defenders with ease starting from the halfway line before smashing a low, accurate shot into the bottom corner with his right foot. Making the scoreline 1-0 in the 25th minute, Estevao was just getting started.
Then, almost after the entirety of the game, the winger scored his second in the 89th minute. Receiving the ball on his right foot near the edge of the São Paulo box, the player did not hesitate to strike from an inconvenient angle. The shot caught the São Paulo keeper off guard and made the scoreline 2-0 in favor of Palmeiras.
Then came the goal for the hattrick. Winning a penalty for his team almost 2 minutes after his second goal, ‘Messinho’ was celebrating openly as soon as the referee pointed to the spot. Stepping up to take the penalty with his left foot, the Brazilian powered home a fine strike to the keeper’s right and put the game to bed, and completed his hattrick simultaneously.
With domestic success now under his belt, Estevao turns his head towards the national team. Expected to compete in the 2023 edition of the Under-17 FIFA World Cup between November and December, ‘Messinho’ will be hoping to help Brazil repeat their 2019 triumph and become back-to-back winners.
