Brazilian winger Estevao Willian is keen on following Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as examples to fulfill his dream of becoming a great player. The Palmeiras star is set to join Chelsea in 2025 upon turning 18.
Every rising star in football is compared to Messi and Ronaldo, who are considered two of the greatest players to have graced the sport. The duo have dominated football over the last two decades, winning 13 Ballons d’Or together, with Messi boasting eight and Ronaldo five.
Estevao Willian, 17, has already been compared to Messi. The Brazilian was reportedly called ‘Messinho,’ which means ‘Little Messi,’ at Cruzeiro due to a playstyle similar to the Argentine icon. However, the youngster is not fond of the nickname as he wants to establish his own identity.
Having said that, he prefers to emulate the strengths of both Ronaldo and Messi in his career. In an interview with The Guardian, Willian said (via Ojogo):
“Some people are born with talent, others have to work hard. Good examples are Messi and Ronaldo. Messi has the talent, Ronaldo the effort. I look for both, talent and dedication. Nowadays in football, you have to dedicate yourself, keep a schedule, train, travel, take care of yourself.”
WIllian added that he admires his compatriot Neymar Jr. a lot but prefers Lionel Messi over everyone else.
“I also like Neymar, Cristiano Ronaldo… But my reference is Messi, for everything he has done for football. The way he plays and what he does on the pitch is someone I will always admire. And, of course, being left-footed, that also works in his favor,” he said.
Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo’s current seasons at a glance
In the twilight of their careers, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are still performing to the best of their abilities for their respective clubs. Messi recently returned to the pitch for Inter Miami after two months of recovery due to an ankle injury he picked up during their 1-0 win in the Copa America final against Colombia.
Despite the blow, La Albiceleste picked up their second consecutive Copa America this year. Moreover, Messi led the Herons to victory in the 2024 Supporters’ Shield after a 3-2 win over Columbus Crew on October 2.
It marked the first time that Inter Miami won the shield and their second trophy in history after the 2023 Leagues Cup. The Argentine legend scored a brace in the game.
In 24 appearances in the MLS so far, Leo Messi has recorded 18 goals and 12 assists. La Pulga will now focus on winning the MLS Cup with Inter Miami to add to his record number of 46 trophies.
Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo has also been at his best for Al Nassr this season. The Portuguese star recently crossed 900 career goals after scoring in Portugal’s 2-1 win over Croatia in the UEFA Nations League on September 5.
Cristiano Ronaldo is yet to win major silverware with Al Nassr and will be looking to achieve the same this season. In nine appearances for the Saudi Pro League giants this season, Ronaldo has recorded eight goals and three assists across competitions.
