lionel messi children names ages

Lionel Messi’s Children: A Guide to His Three Sons

How many kids do Lionel Messi and his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, have? The world-famous soccer icon is a father to three sons, who have grown up in the global spotlight alongside him. They are his biggest fans and a constant, joyful presence at his history-making matches.

You have almost certainly seen them rushing onto the field after a monumental win, a blur of small jerseys and huge smiles as they celebrate with their dad. These warm, public moments offer a rare glimpse into his life off the pitch, showcasing the family man behind the legend.

From the oldest, Thiago, to the youngest, Ciro, each of the boys has a unique personality that completes their close-knit family. To hear Messi describe them is to understand his greatest pride. Together, Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro are the loudest cheerleaders for their father, both on and off the field.

The Messi Children at a Glance: Names and Birth Years

Lionel Messi and his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, have three sons. For a quick look at their names and birth years, here is a simple guide listing them from oldest to youngest.

| Child’s Name | Year of Birth |
| :— | :— |
| Thiago Messi | 2012 |
| Mateo Messi | 2015 |
| Ciro Messi | 2018 |

With their birthdays in mind, it’s easier to picture the family’s timeline and get to know each son individually.

Who Is Thiago Messi? Meet the Oldest Son

The one who first made Lionel Messi a father, Thiago, was born on November 2, 2012. As the oldest of the three brothers, he is often described as being the most like his dad in personality—calm, a bit shy, and thoughtful.

In interviews, Messi has shared that Thiago is the son who truly lives and breathes soccer. While his younger brothers enjoy the game, Thiago is the one who understands it on a deeper level. He isn’t afraid to critique his dad’s performance after a match, often discussing plays and asking questions about why things happened the way they did on the field. This gentle, analytical nature stands in contrast to his more famously boisterous brother, Mateo.

His passion for the sport isn’t just from the sidelines. Answering the popular question of whether Messi’s sons play soccer, Thiago is actively involved. He currently plays for Inter Miami’s youth academy, training on the same grounds where his father has captured the world’s attention once again.

Who Is Mateo Messi? The Famous Middle Child

If Thiago is the quiet observer, then middle child Mateo is the family’s lovable firecracker. Born on September 11, 2015, Mateo has earned a reputation among fans for his hilarious and often rebellious antics, which stand in stark contrast to his older brother’s calmer disposition. He is widely known as the “character” of the family, and for good reason.

Lionel Messi himself has shared the best examples of Mateo’s mischievous nature in interviews. He famously revealed that to annoy his brother Thiago, Mateo will celebrate goals scored by Real Madrid or any other team playing against his dad’s side. He knows exactly how to get a reaction out of his soccer-loving family, a trait many parents of a middle child might find familiar.

This playful trolling has made him a fan favorite. While watching games, his expressive and sometimes contrary reactions are a constant source of amusement. Whether he’s making funny faces for the camera or pretending to cheer for the opposition, Mateo brings a unique and vibrant energy that shows a different side of life in the Messi household.

Who Is Ciro Messi? The Youngest of the Family

Rounding out the Messi brothers is the youngest son, Ciro Messi Roccuzzo. Born on March 10, 2018, Ciro’s arrival completed the family of five. As the baby of the family, he is often seen being affectionately carried by his dad or doted on by his two older brothers during on-field celebrations. His presence brought a new, calmer energy after the whirlwind that is his brother Mateo.

While his brothers’ names are more traditional, the choice of “Ciro” caught the attention of many fans. The name has a story behind it that reflects his parents’ personal tastes. It’s widely reported that Antonela is a big fan of the Argentinian rock singer Ciro Pertusi, and the couple chose the name in his honor. This unique detail offers a small window into the life and interests of Messi and his wife outside of the soccer world.

As the youngest, Ciro’s personality is still emerging in the public eye, but he is a constant, beloved fixture in family photos and sideline appearances. He is frequently spotted holding hands with his parents or being swept up in a group hug with Thiago and Mateo.

Who Is Antonela Roccuzzo, the Heart of the Family?

The true center of the Messi family is his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo. Their relationship isn’t a recent celebrity romance; it’s a lifelong love story. Both grew up in the same city in Argentina, Rosario, and were childhood friends long before Messi became a global superstar. He reportedly knew he wanted to marry her from the time they were just kids, making their deep-rooted bond the foundation of their entire family.

While Messi’s career took him to Spain as a teenager, Antonela initially stayed in Argentina to pursue her university studies. Their commitment to each other bridged the thousands of miles between them, and she eventually moved to Barcelona to build their life together. This dedication is a key part of their story, showing a partnership built on mutual support.

Today, Antonela is a devoted mother to Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro and is widely seen as Messi’s rock. She manages a bustling household while also running her own business ventures. Fans adore seeing her and the boys cheering from the stands, and the latest Messi family photos are always a hit on social media. These public moments, celebrating wins or just enjoying life, offer the best glimpse into their close-knit world.

Where Can You See the Messi Family Together?

With Messi’s move to the United States, his family has become an even more visible and heartwarming part of his public life. The most common place to see them is in the stands at Inter Miami games. Almost every match features Antonela and the three boys—Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro—cheering enthusiastically, often dressed in the team’s signature pink jerseys. Seeing the Messi children at Inter Miami matches has become a beloved sideshow for fans.

This public family support is far from a new phenomenon. For years, one of the most enduring images of Messi’s career has been his on-field celebrations with his sons. After major victories, it’s become a tradition to see Lionel Messi with his kids on the field, passing a ball around or sharing a hug. The most iconic of these moments came after Argentina’s 2022 World Cup win, when the whole world watched his children join him in a moment of pure, unscripted joy.

These moments are what make the Messi family so compelling to a global audience. The stream of photos that emerges from these games does more than just document a win; it paints a picture of a legendary athlete who is also a completely devoted father. It’s in these unguarded interactions—a high-five with Thiago, a laugh with Mateo—that fans get to see the man behind the icon.

More Than a Legend: Messi’s Role as a Father

When Lionel Messi celebrates a victory, the small figures joining him on the field are three distinct personalities: Thiago, the thoughtful oldest; Mateo, the famously mischievous middle child; and Ciro, the youngest of the brothers. Knowing them offers a more complete, human view of a global icon.

While his career is defined by records, his personal life with Antonela Roccuzzo is grounded in the familiar joys of raising a family. His story connects his public triumphs to his private world, showing that for all his fame and on-field achievements, his most important role is one played at home. While millions of fans know him as the GOAT, to the three boys who share his last name, he is, and always will be, simply Dad.