Who is the 12 year old son of Messi?

Social media clips and headlines have sparked a common question: who is the 12-year-old son of Messi? His name is Thiago Messi. At 12 years old, he is the oldest of the soccer legend’s three boys, but there’s much more to his story than just a famous last name.

While the world knows Lionel Messi for his mastery on the pitch, he is also a dedicated father to Thiago and his two younger brothers, Mateo and Ciro. Already following a similar path, Thiago now plays for the youth academy at Inter Miami, the same American club where his father currently stars. This has sparked global curiosity about his potential and personality.

But is he poised to become the next superstar? According to his father, Thiago is a thoughtful and more reserved kid who genuinely loves and understands the game. This insight offers a rare glimpse into the unique pressures and personal journey of a boy growing up as Lionel Messi’s oldest son.

Meet the Messi Brothers: Who Are Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro?

While the spotlight often follows Thiago as the oldest, he’s actually one of three brothers who make up the Messi household. This trio forms the center of Lionel Messi’s world off the pitch, each with a distinct place in the family.

Following Thiago are his two younger brothers, Mateo and Ciro Messi. Mateo, the middle child, has become a fan favorite for his famously energetic and mischievous personality, often seen in candid family moments shared online. The youngest of the bunch is Ciro, who completes the trio of Messi boys.

The person holding the family together is their mother and Messi’s wife, Antonela Roccuzzo. She and Lionel have known each other since they were children growing up in Rosario, Argentina. Antonela is a constant presence, frequently seen with her children cheering from the sidelines at games, from Barcelona to Paris and now Miami.

Together, Lionel, Antonela, Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro present a picture of a close-knit family navigating the pressures of global fame. But with a last name like Messi, curiosity often circles back to one big question: does his oldest son have a future in the sport?

Does Thiago Messi Play Soccer? Here’s Where He Plays Now

For the millions of fans wondering if the apple falls far from the tree, the answer is a definite yes: Thiago Messi does play soccer. Following his father’s move to the United States, Thiago joined the youth system for the same club, playing for the Inter Miami U-12 team. This isn’t just a casual weekend league; it’s the club’s official team for kids his age, where he gets to wear the same pink jersey as his legendary dad.

While he is still developing his style, clips from his games show Thiago often playing as an attacking player, just like his father. He’s been seen scoring goals and setting up his teammates, sparking excitement among fans who are eager to see a glimpse of the famous Messi magic.

But for Lionel Messi himself, the pressure of a legacy is the last thing he wants for his son. He has been clear in interviews that his main goal is simply for Thiago and his brothers to be happy. He supports Thiago’s passion for the sport but emphasizes fun over the need to become a professional. According to Messi, Thiago loves playing and understands the game deeply, but there’s no expectation to follow in his father’s enormous footsteps.

Ultimately, while the world watches with curiosity, Thiago is simply a 12-year-old boy enjoying his favorite sport. He is learning and growing within a team of his peers, all while navigating the unique experience of having a global superstar cheering him on from the sidelines.

What Is Thiago Messi’s Personality Really Like?

While his younger brother Mateo is often described as the family’s little character, Lionel Messi has shared that Thiago is the calm and reserved one. In family photos and public appearances, Thiago often appears more thoughtful and shy, content to observe from the sidelines rather than seek the spotlight. This quiet demeanor makes his deep passion for soccer, and his unique relationship with his father over the sport, even more compelling.

But that quiet nature hides a sharp mind for the game. In fact, Messi has revealed in interviews that Thiago is his biggest and most honest critic. After a bad game or a tough loss, it’s Thiago who will analyze what happened and ask his dad pointed questions about the team’s performance. This father-son dynamic of breaking down games together shows a maturity and understanding of soccer that goes far beyond just playing for fun.

This drive to be his own person shows up on the field, too. In a fascinating detail for fans, Thiago is right-footed—a stark contrast to his father, who is arguably the most famous left-footed player in history. It’s another small but significant sign that while he shares his dad’s last name and love for the sport, he is forging his own identity. This quiet, analytical, and right-footed approach makes him a fascinating figure, especially when compared to his two very different younger brothers.

How Do Mateo and Ciro Compare to Their Older Brother?

If Thiago is the calm observer, then his seven-year-old brother, Mateo, is the family’s lively firecracker. While Thiago analyzes the game, Mateo is more likely to be the center of attention with a mischievous grin. Both Lionel Messi and his wife, Antonela, have shared stories about Mateo’s funny, outgoing personality, describing him as a little character who keeps everyone on their toes. He is known for his high energy and playful antics, providing a vibrant contrast to his more reserved older brother.

A classic story that perfectly captures the dynamic between the brothers involves their time watching soccer. Messi has said that to annoy Thiago, Mateo will deliberately cheer for the team playing against his dad’s side. He even once celebrated a goal scored against Barcelona just to get a reaction from his loyal, pro-Barça brother. This kind of playful sibling rivalry highlights the different ways the boys engage with their father’s world and showcases the fun-loving side of the Messi family life.

The youngest of the trio, Ciro, is still developing his own distinct personality in the public eye. As the baby of the family, he is often seen in photos sticking close to his parents, looking on as his older brothers navigate the spotlight. Together, the three boys represent a fascinating spectrum of personalities.

Thiago Messi vs. Cristiano Ronaldo Jr: Is There Really a Rivalry?

For over a decade, the sports world was captivated by the rivalry between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. It’s only natural to wonder if that same dynamic exists between their children. However, when it comes to Thiago Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo Jr, the idea of a rivalry is almost entirely a fan-driven fantasy, not a reflection of reality.

In fact, their public interactions have been nothing but respectful. At a formal football awards ceremony, a moment that went viral showed Cristiano Ronaldo’s son, a known admirer of Messi, shyly approaching the Argentine star. Messi greeted him with a warm smile, and Ronaldo himself has good-naturedly admitted his son follows Messi’s career. It’s a clear sign that admiration, not animosity, defines their connection.

This sense of mutual respect is largely fostered by the fathers. While they were fierce competitors on the field, both Messi and Ronaldo have often spoken about their admiration for one another, especially in their later careers. They’ve set an example that talent should be celebrated, a lesson clearly passed down to both the Cristiano Ronaldo son and the rest of the Messi family.

Ultimately, both boys are simply children navigating the extraordinary circumstances of their lives, free from the competitive burden that fans might imagine for them. For Thiago, that life has recently taken a dramatic turn. With the intense spotlight of European soccer now behind them, the Messi family is writing a brand new chapter.

A New Chapter: How Is the Messi Family Living in Miami?

Moving to the United States marked a significant shift for the Messi family life in Miami, trading the intense, high-pressure bubble of European soccer for a noticeably more relaxed atmosphere. Almost immediately, photos surfaced of Messi and his family in a local supermarket, a simple act that signaled a new level of public freedom. This change has allowed them to embrace a more open lifestyle, where they are seen not just as global icons but as part of the community.

For Thiago, the transition was made smoother by the fact that he could continue his passion without missing a beat. He quickly joined the youth program at his father’s club, becoming a player for the Inter Miami’s Under-12 team. This move allowed him to stay connected to the sport he loves in a structured environment, all while his father was just a few fields away. It was a seamless integration that kept his development on track in a new country.

This sense of normalcy extends to the whole family. Messi’s wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, is often seen with the children at their games and practices, creating the supportive family dynamic that has always been their foundation. From attending birthday parties for teammates to enjoying Miami’s beaches, they are weaving themselves into the fabric of American life. With his place on the team secured and a new life taking shape, the question now turns to what the future holds for Thiago himself.

More Than a Famous Last Name: What’s Next for Thiago Messi?

Beyond the simple name and headline, Thiago Messi is a young boy growing up in the unique spotlight cast by his father’s legendary career. The real story isn’t about whether he will become a star, but about a family’s conscious effort to nurture a child’s passion without the weight of expectation.

The experience of all the Messi children is grounded in a simple goal: let them enjoy the game. This context transforms how we see every clip of Lionel Messi’s son on the field. The focus is on a quiet, analytical boy who loves soccer, critiques his own father, and is forging an identity separate from the world’s most famous left foot.

As his parents have emphasized, their main hope is for their sons’ happiness, whether that’s found on a soccer pitch or somewhere else entirely. He may have inherited a world-famous name, but his future is a blank page, and the story he writes will be his own.