Exploring Messi’s Sons: Names and Ages

Lionel Messi and his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, have three sons: Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro. For anyone curious about his family life, the answer to “how many children does Lionel Messi have?” is three, and each boy is already developing a unique personality that the soccer star and his wife occasionally share with the world. This simple fact grounds the global icon in a role many people can relate to: being a parent.

While he is celebrated for his legendary career, Messi is a dedicated family man off the pitch. He and Antonela Roccuzzo often provide glimpses into their home life, sharing photos and stories that highlight the close bond they have with their kids. From celebrating goals to simple moments at home, the Messi family offers a heartwarming look at the life of a superstar and his growing sons.

Messi’s Children at a Glance: A Quick Facts Cheat Sheet

For those just looking for the quick facts, here is a simple breakdown of the birthdates and current ages for Lionel Messi and Antonela Roccuzzo’s three sons. The boys’ birth order follows a clear three-year pattern.

• Thiago Messi: Born November 2, 2012 (Age 12)
• Mateo Messi: Born September 11, 2015 (Age 9)
• Ciro Messi: Born March 10, 2018 (Age 6)

Who Is Thiago Messi? Meet Messi’s Oldest Son and Aspiring Footballer

Born on November 2, 2012, Thiago Messi Roccuzzo is the eldest of the three brothers. As the first child, his birth was a major public event for fans of the football superstar. Often seen by his father’s side at ceremonies and matches, Thiago has grown up in the global spotlight but has always been presented as a shy and gentle personality.

It seems talent runs in the family, as Thiago is already following in his father’s famous footsteps. After Messi’s move to the US, his oldest son officially joined the Inter Miami youth academy, playing for their U-12 team. This move confirmed what many had suspected: Thiago has a genuine passion for the sport. Videos sometimes surface showing his focus on the ball, mirroring the dedication that made his father a legend.

According to Messi himself, Thiago is the most football-focused of his three sons. In interviews, he’s described his oldest as the one who truly understands the game and gets upset after a loss. This quiet, serious nature makes him a fascinating contrast to his younger brother, Mateo, who is better known for his mischievous and hilarious personality.

Why Is Mateo Messi Known for His Mischievous Personality?

If Thiago is the quiet and focused one, his younger brother Mateo Messi Roccuzzo is known as the family’s lovable and high-energy character. Born on September 11, 2015, the middle child of the Messi family has earned a reputation for being a hilarious handful, thanks to stories shared by Lionel Messi himself. While Thiago is serious about football, Mateo seems more interested in having fun with it, often at his family’s expense.

His “troll” persona became famous after Messi revealed in an interview that Mateo playfully cheers for rival teams just to annoy his dad and older brother. He once explained that when playing football in the backyard, Mateo will pretend to be a player from a team that recently beat his father’s club. This knack for getting a reaction has made him a fan favorite, with his antics providing a funny and relatable glimpse into the Messi household.

According to Messi, Mateo’s vibrant personality is a constant source of amusement. While he might be a little monster on the pitch, his father always tells these stories with a laugh, showing a clear affection for his son’s fiery spirit. This mischievous but loving nature makes him a stark contrast to both his older brother and the youngest of the trio, Ciro.

When Was Ciro Messi Born? All About Messi’s Youngest Son

Rounding out the trio of Messi children is the youngest son, Ciro Messi Roccuzzo. He was born on March 10, 2018, officially making the Messi-Roccuzzo clan a family of five. His arrival gave Thiago and Mateo a little brother, and public photos often show the older boys doting on him. As the baby of the family, Ciro’s birth was celebrated worldwide by fans eager to welcome the newest member of football’s most famous family.

The choice of his name was a sweet and personal one for Lionel and Antonela. It’s widely understood that “Ciro” was inspired by the lead singer of an Argentinian rock band they both admire, Ciro y los Persas. This small detail offers a rare glimpse into their shared life and tastes away from the spotlight, connecting their youngest son’s name to a piece of music they love.

Unlike his notoriously mischievous older brother Mateo, Ciro appears to be the quietest and calmest of the three boys. In family pictures and public appearances, he is often seen as the shyest, staying close to his parents. As he grows up, fans enjoy catching glimpses of his emerging personality, which provides the final, gentle piece in the puzzle of the three Messi brothers.

Who Is the Mother of Messi’s Children? The Story of Antonela Roccuzzo

The mother of Messi’s three sons—Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro—is his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo. While she is a successful model and businesswoman with a massive social media following of her own, she is most famously known as the matriarch of the Messi family. Often seen cheering from the stands with her boys, Antonela is a constant, supportive presence in both Messi’s personal and professional life, serving as the anchor for their tight-knit family unit.

What makes their relationship a true fairytale for many is its incredible history. Long before the global fame, sold-out stadiums, and championship titles, Lionel and Antonela were just kids in their shared hometown of Rosario, Argentina. They met when they were children through one of Messi’s childhood friends, who happened to be Antonela’s cousin. Their bond formed years before Messi became a household name, creating a foundation of genuine partnership that has endured decades of public attention.

While Messi is the face of global football, Antonela is widely seen as the heart of their family. She provides the stability and privacy that allows their sons to have a surprisingly normal childhood, despite their father’s extraordinary career. Her focus on family gives a humanizing look into their world, showcasing the importance of partnership in how Messi balances the immense pressures of fame with his dedicated role as a father.

How Does Messi Balance Global Fame and Fatherhood?

For a player defined by his intense competitiveness, becoming a father brought a surprising new perspective. Lionel Messi has shared that fatherhood completely changed how he deals with results on the field. He explained that before his children, a loss could mean not talking to anyone for days. Now, arriving home to his wife and sons puts everything in its proper place, reminding him that football isn’t the only thing that matters.

This family-first mindset is woven into his daily life. Despite the demands of training and global travel, both he and Antonela prioritize a normal routine for their boys. When his schedule allows, Messi is a hands-on dad who enjoys simple moments, from taking his sons to school and their own sports practices to just playing with them at home. It’s his way of ensuring they experience a grounded, stable childhood away from the spotlight.

Ultimately, Messi sees fatherhood as his greatest achievement, a role that has given him a profound sense of purpose beyond trophies. He once described the feeling of becoming a dad as “the best thing that has ever happened in my life,” calling it a “huge change” in every way. For the world’s most famous footballer, his most important team is the one waiting for him at home.

The Complete Messi Family: A Final Recap

For a final, easy-to-remember summary of the Messi kids’ birth order, here is the complete family lineup:

• Lionel Messi (Father)
• Antonela Roccuzzo (Mother)
• Thiago Messi (Oldest Son, b. 2012)
• Mateo Messi (Middle Son, b. 2015)
• Ciro Messi (Youngest Son, b. 2018)

The next time you see a photo of them, you won’t just see a soccer star with his children—you’ll see a father with Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro.