Who is older, Thiago Messi or Ronaldo Jr.?

It’s a question that pops up for anyone curious about the world’s most famous soccer families: Who is older, Thiago Messi or Ronaldo Jr.? As the sons of legendary rivals Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, these two boys are growing up in a unique kind of spotlight, sparking a whole new wave of public interest.

Cristiano Ronaldo Jr. is the older of the two. He was born on June 17, 2010, while Thiago Messi was born on November 2, 2012. This makes Ronaldo Jr. precisely two years, four months, and sixteen days his senior.

The reason so many people wonder about them stems from their fathers’ historic competition. For over a decade, Messi and Ronaldo battled on the field in what many consider the greatest individual rivalry in sports history. Every goal and trophy was compared, creating a narrative that has now naturally extended to their children.

This curiosity has only grown now that both boys are playing on youth teams, following in their fathers’ footsteps. The idea of a friendly “Rivalry 2.0” captures the imagination, making the comparison more than just a simple question of age.

Why Does Everyone Compare Their Sons’ Ages?

The reason this simple age comparison generates so much buzz has everything to do with their fathers. For over fifteen years, the debate over who was the best soccer player in the world centered on just two names: Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Their competition wasn’t just a part of sports; it was a global cultural phenomenon.

Imagine a rivalry like Batman vs. Superman, or Coke vs. Pepsi, but playing out in real-time on a soccer field for more than a decade. Fans across the world would passionately align with one player, debating their every move. Messi and Ronaldo consistently competed for the same trophies and broke records side-by-side, pushing each other to new heights year after year.

This intense focus on “Messi vs. Ronaldo” defined an entire era of the sport. It’s this incredible history that fuels the curiosity about their children. With both boys now playing on youth teams, the public can’t help but wonder if the story will continue. The comparison of their ages is the first, simple question in a new chapter, looking for hints of a “next generation” rivalry before it has even begun.

Who is Cristiano Ronaldo Jr.?

Born on June 17, 2010, Cristiano Ronaldo Jr. is the first child of the Portuguese superstar. He has grown up in the global spotlight, often seen by his father’s side during the biggest moments of his legendary career.

Just like his dad, Ronaldo Jr. has a clear passion for the game. He has already built an impressive resume, playing for the youth teams of major clubs where his father has starred, including Juventus and Manchester United. Today, he continues to develop his skills on the youth squad for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, the same club his father now captains.

Beyond the soccer field, he is a prominent part of the Ronaldo family. Often featured on his father’s popular social media accounts, he is the big brother to four younger siblings. This visible role as the oldest child offers a glimpse into a close-knit family life, away from the pressures of the stadium lights.

Who is Thiago Messi?

On the other side of the famous rivalry is Lionel Messi’s oldest son, Thiago. Born on November 2, 2012, Thiago is more than two years younger than Ronaldo Jr. and the eldest of the three Messi boys. While Ronaldo Jr. has spent his youth in the European club system, Thiago’s journey has taken a distinctly different path, recently bringing him to the American soccer scene.

Following his family’s move to the United States, Thiago now plays for the Inter Miami youth team, wearing the same pink jersey his father has made famous. He’s often spotted at his dad’s games, and just like his father, he spends his own weekends on the soccer field, learning the game in a city that has fully embraced the Messi family.

While he may share his father’s talent, his personality is unique. According to Lionel Messi himself, Thiago is his biggest critic, understanding the game on a deep level and never shying away from discussing a poor performance. This insight shows a boy who doesn’t just play soccer but truly analyzes it, a trait he shares with his legendary dad.

Fans around the world got a heartwarming glimpse of this family connection when Thiago and his brothers celebrated with their father on the field after Argentina’s historic 2022 World Cup win. It was a picture of pure joy that amplified the public’s interest in this new generation.

A New Rivalry? What the Future Holds

With both boys now playing for major youth teams, it’s easy to see why fans are buzzing about a potential “Messi vs. Ronaldo: The Next Generation.” The idea that this legendary sports rivalry could continue through their sons is captivating.

The reality, however, is much friendlier. Far from being rivals, Thiago and Ronaldo Jr. have been seen sharing pleasant moments in public. One of the most memorable examples was at an awards ceremony where Cristiano Ronaldo encouraged his son to go say hello to Lionel Messi. It was a simple, humanizing moment that showed the mutual respect that exists between the two families, away from the intense competition on the field.

Ultimately, the pressure of a next-generation rivalry exists mostly in the imagination of fans. For now, Thiago Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo Jr. are simply two kids who enjoy playing soccer and happen to have incredibly famous fathers. They are on their own unique journeys, and they aren’t the only children in the spotlight.

Beyond the Firstborns: The Messi and Ronaldo Families

While the spotlight often shines on Thiago and Ronaldo Jr., both soccer superstars are dedicated fathers to growing families. They are just one part of a much bigger, bustling picture at home.

Lionel Messi and his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, have three sons. In order by age, their children are:

• Thiago Messi (the oldest)
• Mateo Messi
• Ciro Messi (the youngest)

Cristiano Ronaldo’s family is even larger, as he is a father to five children. Following Cristiano Jr., the birth order of his other children is:

• Eva and Mateo (twins)
• Alana Martina
• Bella Esmeralda

These siblings round out the next generation of two of the most famous families in sports, each with their own unique place beyond the shadow of their older brothers.

The Story Is Just Beginning

The simple answer is that Cristiano Ronaldo Jr. is older than Thiago Messi by more than two years. But the interest in their ages was always about more than trivia; it’s fueled by the legendary on-field rivalry between their fathers.

Knowing the age timeline helps frame why the idea of a “next generation rivalry” captures the public’s imagination, even if the reality between the families is one of mutual respect. While it’s far too soon to predict their futures, the world will be watching with a smile, knowing that for these two families, the story is just getting started.