“I’m trying to distance myself from it” - Chelsea star keen for Lionel Messi comparison to end, opens up on Ballon d’Or dreams

Chelsea-bound youngster Estevao Willian has spoken about his desire to win the Ballon d'Or and avoid comparisons with Lionel Messi. The teenage sensation has signed for the Premier League giants after making a name for himself in the Brazilian top-flight with Palmeiras.

In terms of numbers, Estevao has arguably been the finest winger in the Brasileirao Serie A this year. The youngster has adapted seamlessly to the transition between youth and senior football, and is a key player for the reigning champions at his tender age. Estevao has recorded nine goals and seven assists in 23 league appearances this season, his first full one as a professional.

Estevao Willian broke out with the name Messinho, which translates to Little Messi, in Brazil. The youngster has now revealed that he does not want the nickname as he does not want comparisons with Lionel Messi. He also told Placar that he believes in his ability to win the Ballon d'Or in the future.

“It would be better to call me Estevao Willian. It wasn’t even me who created this [Messinho], it was the media. And it’s something I didn’t like, to be honest," he said.

“One thing I try to do is be myself. I’m Estevao, I’m building my career, my football and my story. I’m very happy for the recognition, but it’s something I didn’t like. I’m trying to distance myself from it more and more. I’ve already distanced myself quite a bit and I hope that ends once and for all," he added.

“I know my potential, I know I can do even more and, of course, we are slowly working towards it. I think I have the potential to be the best I can be. And the best I can be, God willing, is to be in the World Cup and be the best in the world. I think that depends a lot on me," he concluded.

Injuries have prevented the teenager from wreaking havoc in the Brazilian league, as his body is getting used to the rigors of senior football. He has missed a total of 10 games through injury, and his side are in second place on the log.

Estevao Willian has watched compatriot Vinicius Jr. go from a talent in Brazil to a front-runner for the 2024 Ballon d'Or. The youngster, who will join Chelsea in 2025, will hope to have a similar trajectory in his career once he arrives in Europe.

Ballon d'Or nominee among youngsters to sport new Lionel Messi boots

Ballon d'Or nominee Lamine Yamal is among the 10 elite youngsters who will wear the new Triunfo Estelar F50 boots of Lionel Messi. The boots were launched as a throwback to an iconic pair worn by the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner in 2010.

The new boots are white with touches of purple, black, and fluorescent yellow, and contain Lionel Messi's name. The Argentine great has already debuted the boots in both Inter Miami and Argentina games and will now have 10 youngsters do the same.

Yamal is joined by future Manchester City stars Cavan Sullivan and Claudio Echeverri, as well as City academy graduate Joel Ndala. Juventus teenage star Kenan Yildiz and RB Leipzig duo - Antonio Nusa and Assane Ouedraogo - will also use the boots. Monaco's Eliesse Ben Seghir and female prospects Jaedyn Shaw and Vicky Lopez complete the list of players to use Lionel Messi's boots.