“Always tried” – Chelsea player says he doesn’t like being compared to Lionel Messi | OneFootball

One Chelsea player has said that he actually doesn’t like being compared to football legend Lionel Messi.

Messi for me is the great player to ever play the game of football. I know others might debate that, but for me he is the very best of all time.

Join our exclusive Chelsea fan community where I report all your inside Blues news on transfers, injuries, and much more!

So to be compared with him as a footballer in the game right now, will surely be compliment? Whilst Estevao Willian probably does see it as a compliment, he prefers to make his own name in the game.

Speaking to Brazilian media, the 18-year-old admitted he was often called “Messinho” (“Little Messi”) in his early years. Mostly because of his dribbling skills and low centre of gravity.

“They called me ‘Messinho’ when I was a kid. That wasn’t something I liked, because I always tried to be called Estêvão,” said the Chelsea forward.

Estevao’s chip

Estevao celebrates his first Champions League goal. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

The rising Brazilian start started for Chelsea last night in their 4-3 win away at Wolves in the Carabao Cup.

It was a weird game of two halves, where Chelsea were very good in the first 45 but terrible in the second. Can you believe, they were 3-0 up at half time!?

Estevao was one of the goal scorers for Chelsea last night and it was a lovely little chipped finish from close range, showing his incredible technical skills.

Estevao will be happy with a career like Messi’s

Whilst he understandably wants to make a name for himself, Estevao would clearly be very happy if he goes on to have a similar impact and the same sort of career Messi has had in football.

But I like that he’s here to make it for himself and not to be the second coming of any other player.