Create an article about Lionel Messi s Children Ciro Thiago And Mateo
He’s the undisputed king of the soccer world, but to three special people, Lionel Messi is just ‘Dad.’ You’ve seen them celebrating in the stands during monumental wins, but beyond the cheering and confetti, what are his sons—Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro—really like? To understand the famous family, it all starts with the one who made Messi a father first.
So, who is Messi’s oldest son? That would be Thiago Messi. Born on November 2, 2012, in Barcelona, Thiago introduced the world to Messi’s new role as a devoted parent. While fans were used to seeing him lift trophies, the images of him holding his firstborn son became just as iconic, offering a softer, more personal glimpse into the superstar’s life.
Unlike his famously boisterous brother Mateo, Thiago is known for a completely different temperament. In various interviews, Messi has described his eldest son as the calm, thoughtful, and more sensitive one. He is often portrayed as being more introverted than his siblings, quietly observing the whirlwind of fame that surrounds his family with a mature awareness that seems beyond his years.
That sensitivity gives him a unique relationship with his father’s profession. According to Messi himself, Thiago is the only one of the boys who truly understands and feels the pressure of the game. He gets genuinely nervous watching his father play and feels the sting of a loss just as deeply, a trait that shows just how closely he is connected to his dad’s world, not just as a fan, but as a loving son.
What Makes Mateo Messi the Family’s Famous “Little Character”?
If oldest son Thiago is the calm and thoughtful one, then middle child Mateo, born on September 11, 2015, is the energetic spark plug of the Messi family. Both Lionel and Antonela have lovingly described him as a “character,” a little whirlwind of energy and humor who loves to be the center of attention and keep everyone on their toes.
This playful spirit often comes out in the classic setting of sibling rivalry, especially when it comes to football. While his older brother Thiago is more serious and analytical about the sport—much like his father—Mateo uses it as his own personal comedy routine. He understands the game perfectly, but he’s more interested in getting a reaction than in picking the “right” team to support.
In a hilarious story that Messi himself has shared in interviews, Mateo will purposefully celebrate goals from rival teams just to annoy his family. He has been known to cheer for Real Madrid when they score against Barcelona, or even celebrate a missed shot by his own father’s team, just to see the look on his brother’s face. It’s a brand of mischief any family with competitive siblings can instantly recognize.
It’s this combination of a genuine love for his family and a mischievous desire to stir the pot that has made Mateo a fan favorite. His funny faces, impromptu dances in the stadium stands, and well-documented pranks have cemented his reputation as the unforgettable, funny heart of the Messi trio.
Who is Ciro, the Youngest of the Messi Brothers?
Rounding out the famous trio is the youngest son, Ciro Messi, who was born on March 10, 2018. As the baby of the family, Ciro offers a delightful glimpse into the dynamics of the three brothers. While Thiago is the quiet observer and Mateo is the boisterous entertainer, Ciro is still carving out his own space, often by looking up to the two siblings who lead the way.
As the youngest of three, Ciro is in the classic position of learning by watching. In public appearances and on social media, he can often be seen mimicking his older brothers’ actions with adorable concentration. Whether he’s trying to copy one of Mateo’s silly dances or watching a match with the same focused frown as Thiago, his attempts to keep up provide heartwarming moments for fans. He’s a charming combination of his two older brothers, filtered through the innocence of being the last one to join the team.
While his own distinct personality continues to blossom, Ciro is currently the cherished anchor of the Messi children. He is frequently pictured snuggled between his parents or being doted on by his brothers in the stands, the beloved youngest member who completed their family of five. His presence perfectly balances the calm of Thiago and the chaos of Mateo, creating a complete and endearing picture of sibling life.
What Are the Special Meanings Behind the Boys’ Names?
Beyond their now-famous personalities, the names Lionel Messi and Antonela Roccuzzo chose for their sons are both classic and meaningful. Each name was picked with care, reflecting a rich European heritage with its own distinct origin and significance.
The names themselves hold a blend of tradition, faith, and strength:
- Thiago: A popular Portuguese and Spanish name, often considered a short, modern form of Santiago (the Spanish name for Saint James), one of the most important figures in Spanish culture.
- Mateo: This is the Spanish version of the timeless name Matthew. Its meaning is widely cherished, translating to “Gift of God.”
- Ciro: A strong name with Italian and Spanish ties, it derives from the ancient Greek ‘Kyros’ or Persian ‘Kurush,’ which means “sun” or “lord.”
While their names connect them to a deep cultural history, fans are often more curious about their connection to a footballing one.
Will Messi’s Children Follow in His Footballing Footsteps?
It’s the question every fan wonders: with a father who is arguably the greatest of all time, will his sons play football? The answer, for now, is yes. All three boys—Thiago, Mateo, and even little Ciro—are enrolled in the Inter Miami youth academy, where they are beginning to carve out their own paths on the pitch. But as their famous dad has shared, their approaches to the game are as different as their personalities.
Thiago, the oldest, seems to have inherited his father’s thoughtful approach. Messi has noted that his firstborn is also left-footed and understands the game on a deeper level, often asking questions about plays after a match. He’s more about control and technique, playing with a quiet focus that mirrors his generally calm and sensitive personality.
Mateo, on the other hand, is a completely different story. True to his reputation as the family’s firecracker, he is a force of pure, unfiltered competition on the field. While Thiago analyzes, Mateo charges. Messi has hilariously described him as playing with an aggressive passion and a fierce desire to win above all else, often celebrating with more gusto than anyone. His style is all energy and heart.
Ultimately, however, whether they go pro isn’t the point for their parents. Messi has been perfectly clear in interviews that he will never push his sons into a football career. His priority is simply that they are happy and have fun with whatever they choose to do. For the world’s greatest player, the main goal is raising happy kids, a challenge that requires navigating a life lived entirely in the global spotlight.
How Does the Family Navigate Life in the Global Spotlight?
Navigating a life lived under a microscope is a team sport, and at the heart of the Messi family is Antonela Roccuzzo. While Lionel handles the pressure on the field, Antonela has been the steady anchor for their three sons, managing their transitions across countries and cultures with grace. She provides a sense of normalcy and stability, whether they are in Barcelona, Paris, or their new home in Miami. Her public presence, often seen through her popular Instagram, showcases a life centered on motherhood and family support, making her a relatable figure for millions.
Perhaps no moment captures this family bond better than the final whistle of the 2022 World Cup. As Argentina celebrated their historic victory, the world watched as Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro burst onto the field, a flood of pure emotion, to embrace their father. It wasn’t a staged photo-op; it was a raw, beautiful moment of children celebrating their dad’s biggest dream coming true. These public appearances at major games are a constant, reminding everyone that his sons are his most dedicated and important fans.
This journey has been a whirlwind of global citizenship for the boys. Growing up with Spanish at home, they were immersed in Catalan culture and language in Barcelona, then learned French during their two years in Paris. Now, in the United States, they are adding English to their repertoire. Messi himself has spoken about the challenges of these moves, but also about how the family has faced them together, focusing on helping the children adapt to new schools and friendships.
Ultimately, these shared experiences—from nerve-wracking games to starting over in a new country—have forged an incredibly tight-knit unit. The family’s constant presence isn’t just for show; it’s the foundation of Messi’s world. Every goal and every trophy seems to be a shared victory, reinforcing the idea that his success is their success.
Why Family Might Be Messi’s Greatest Trophy of All
Beyond the roar of the crowd, the names and personalities of Messi’s children have come into focus: Thiago, the thoughtful observer; Mateo, the lovable firecracker; and Ciro, the adoring youngest brother. Together, they are the people who make up Lionel Messi’s most cherished team.
Each son brings his own unique energy to their vibrant shared life, forming the core of Messi’s world. While countless trophies and records define his professional career, it is his family that he consistently calls his greatest prize, grounding his extraordinary journey in a relatable, human foundation.
So, the next time you see three small figures rush the field after a final whistle, you won’t just see a player with his children. You’ll see a father with Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro. You’ll be able to recognize the unique personalities in their celebration, a powerful reminder that while to the world he is a legend, to them, he is simply “Dad.”


