At halftime of the Inter Miami versus Palmeiras group stage match on 23/6, Messi exchanged jerseys with 18-year-old Estevao, nicknamed "Messinho" (Little Messi).

A video of the moment quickly garnered millions of views on social media.

Some fans commented, "The mantle has been passed", while others described it as "a changing of the guard".

"That's a precious gift Estevao will cherish for the rest of his life. How wonderful," was another popular comment.

One account even quipped, "Greatness recognizes future greatness".

However, some criticized the exchange, arguing it was inappropriate before the match ended. Players are permitted to swap jerseys mid-game and wear a different one in the second half. This has happened many times, even in top European leagues.

After the match, Estevao also swapped jerseys with another Inter Miami star, Luis Suarez.

In the game itself, Inter Miami took a 2-0 lead with goals from Tadeo Allende and Suarez. However, Paulinho and Mauricio scored in the final 10 minutes to tie the game 2-2 for Palmeiras. This result allowed Estevao and his teammates to finish top of Group A in the Club World Cup with 5 points. Inter Miami placed second due to an inferior goal difference and faced PSG in the round of 16.

Messi (left) faces Estevao during Inter Miami's draw with Palmeiras in the FIFA Club World Cup group stage on 23/6. _Photo: AP_

Estevao rose to prominence in 2023 at the age of 16. Like Messi, the young star's strengths are his dribbling skills, speed, and confidence. In July, "Little Messi" will join Chelsea for 38 million USD.

"Estevao is the best Brazilian player since Neymar," said Joao Paulo Sampaio, head of Palmeiras' academy. "When you watch him, you'll become a fan".

Estevao has scored 26 goals in 80 appearances for Palmeiras, winning one Brazilian championship and one Sao Paulo state championship. The 18-year-old forward has also played five games for the Brazilian national team, including one under new coach Carlo Ancelotti.

Thanh Quy (according to X)