During the last Euro Cup, some photos were published showing Lamine Yamal as a baby in a small tub next to Leo Messi, and some interpreted that moment as when Messi passed on his powers. Well, Estevao Willian, better known as “Messinho”, shared in an interview with The Players Tribune a curious story that happened to his father when he was young, while he was in a church in Brazil.

“You realized that God was fulfilling His promise”

According to Messinho himself, his father received a prophecy that day—long before he was even born or had met the woman who would become his wife: Before I was born, you were in church when this girl knocked on the door, right? She said, "God is going to give you a son and he’ll bring you great joy. He will open many doors for you." You were surprised, because you didn’t even have a girlfriend at the time. You said, “Look, my dream is to start a church and help people. I don’t even want to get married.”

However, as if she were sent by God, that girl kept insisting that his destiny wasn’t just to be part of the church—but to bring Messinho into the world: “The girl read the Bible passage where David has a son named Solomon, who builds temples. She said, ‘Your son will help you build your church. He will crown you.’ And then you married mom, and when she got pregnant, you realized that God was fulfilling His promise. That’s why you named me Estêvão, which means ‘Crown.’”

Estevao Willian celebrates birthday with goal in Copa Libertadores

Many experts believe Lamine Yamal and Estevao Willian are destined to lead the next generation. In fact, they were both born in the same year (2007)… and you could say that in their own way, they’ve been blessed. Lamine Yamal was, without realizing it, when he appeared in that tub with Leo Messi… and Estevao Willian, when his father met that girl in church, even before he met the woman who would later become his wife and Messinho’s mother.

The truth is that neither of them is on the wrong path to becoming a superstar. In fact, Lamine Yamal is already considered one… while Messinho keeps breaking records in Brazil, awaiting his move to Chelsea. Just last night, he celebrated his 18th birthday by scoring in the Copa Libertadores, in Palmeiras’ win over Bolivar… although he had to be subbed off before the hour mark due to the altitude in La Paz.