The Club World Cup, scheduled between June and July, has created a stir in the transfer market, leaving many players’ participation uncertain due to their current contracts. The case of Estevao Willian was especially complicated, as there was a chance he could play in the tournament wearing either a Chelsea or Palmeiras jersey.

Messinho keeps breaking records before joining Chelsea

Last summer, Chelsea won the race to sign Estevao Willian, better known as ‘Messinho’, who was then loaned back to Palmeiras for one more year, with his official move to Europe set to happen once he turns 18. A similar situation occurred with Real Madrid’s recent signings from Brazil, such as Vinícius Jr, Rodrygo Goes, and Endrick.

Unlike Kendra Páez, who already left Independiente Del Valle to begin adapting to Europe by training with Strasbourg, Chelsea's plan has always been for Messinho to join the first team for the 2025–2026 season. This makes sense considering his meteoric rise at Palmeiras, where he became the first player born in the 21st century to record 10 goals and 10 assists in the Brasileirão before turning 18.

Messinho will play the Club World Cup with Palmeiras

A regular in Brazil's youth national teams, Messinho is already the sixth-youngest debutant in the country’s history, ahead of a legend like Ronaldo. The Club World Cup could have been the perfect moment for him to wear the Chelsea shirt for the first time — especially since he turns 18 this coming April 24. However, his agent André Cury revealed in an interview with Diario AS that he will play the tournament with Palmeiras.

“Yes, he’ll arrive after the Club World Cup. He’s a world-class player. Very good. A guy who’s going to make history here,” said André Cury, although he avoided direct comparisons to Neymar. “He has his own style, but he’s a very good player. He has a solid family structure that supports him every day, and that’s crucial. He’s going to arrive ready to play,” André Cury concluded, referring to Messinho, who will face Bolivar with Palmeiras this coming Thursday in the third round of the Copa Libertadores.