Exploring the Names of Messi’s Children

On the field, he’s a global icon celebrated for his once-in-a-generation skill. But off the field, Lionel Messi is a dedicated family man. Alongside his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, he is raising three young boys, giving fans a warm glimpse into the quieter side of his life and answering the common question: how many children does Lionel Messi have?

For those curious about the Lionel Messi family details, the couple has chosen meaningful names for their sons: Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro. Far from random selections, each name was picked with care, with some choices reportedly inspired by family tributes and even favorite songs, adding a personal layer to their public story.

Exploring the significance behind each son’s name, in chronological order, reveals the unique stories that make their family unit so special and offers a chance to meet the three young boys who cheer for their father from the sidelines.

Meet Thiago Messi: The Firstborn Son and His Special Tribute

The Messi family story begins with their firstborn, Thiago Messi. On November 2, 2012, Lionel Messi and his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, welcomed their first child, making the global football star a father for the first time. As the oldest of Messi’s sons, Thiago was the one who first introduced the world to Messi’s new role as a devoted family man.

For their first son, the couple chose a name with classic roots. Thiago is a popular name of Portuguese and Spanish origin that carries the meaning “supplanter.” It shares a history with the English name James and is a familiar, beloved choice in their home country of Argentina.

Perhaps the most famous tribute to his firstborn son is the one Messi carries with him onto the pitch. To celebrate becoming a father, Messi tattooed Thiago’s tiny handprints alongside his name onto his powerful left calf. This heartfelt ink is a permanent reminder of the deep relationship between Lionel Messi and his sons, a bond he proudly displays to the world.

While Thiago is often described by his parents as the more reserved and thoughtful of the three boys, his younger brother would soon bring a completely different kind of energy to the family.

Who is Mateo? The Story of Messi’s Famously Funny Middle Child

If Thiago is the calm observer, his younger brother Mateo is the lovable storm. Born on September 11, 2015, Mateo Messi Roccuzzo brought a completely different energy to the family. He quickly became known for his vibrant and mischievous personality, earning a special place in the hearts of fans who follow the Messi family on social media.

For their second son, the couple chose a classic and meaningful name. Mateo, the Spanish form of Matthew, is a name of Hebrew origin that translates to “gift of God.” It’s a powerful and popular name that reflects the joy he brought into their lives, even if that joy often comes with a side of playful chaos.

It’s Mateo’s personality, however, that has made him a fan favorite. Both Lionel and Antonela have lovingly referred to him as a “little terror,” sharing clips of his dancing, his jokes, and his boisterous character. While Thiago is more like his father in his quiet focus, Mateo is the extrovert of the family, always ready to be the center of attention.

In one famous interview, Messi himself hilariously revealed that to annoy his older brother, Mateo will cheer for Real Madrid and celebrate when Liverpool scores against Barcelona. This rebellious spirit has cemented his reputation as the funny one. With Mateo providing the laughs, the couple would complete their trio of boys a few years later with a son whose name had a very different kind of inspiration.

The Story of Ciro: Why Messi’s Youngest Son Has a Unique Name

On March 10, 2018, the Messi family became a party of five with the birth of their youngest son, Ciro Messi Roccuzzo. While his older brothers have names deeply rooted in tradition, Lionel and Antonela opted for something more modern and personal for their third child, a name with a story that blends ancient history with modern music.

The name Ciro is the Spanish and Italian form of Cyrus, an ancient Persian name that means “sun.” However, the true inspiration behind the choice came from the couple’s shared love for music. Both Messi and Antonela are fans of the popular Argentinian rock artist Andrés Ciro Martínez, the former lead singer of the band Los Piojos. Naming their son Ciro was a tribute to a musician they both admire, making it a uniquely personal homage.

With Ciro completing their trio of boys, the Messi household is a perfect blend of personalities. You have the calm and focused big brother, the hilarious and rebellious middle child, and now the youngest, whose name carries a rock-and-roll legacy. As the family has settled into their new life in Miami, the public’s curiosity has naturally shifted to the next generation, sparking a new question: are Messi’s sons following in his footsteps?

Are Messi’s Sons Following in His Footsteps in Miami?

With a father as legendary as Lionel Messi, it’s only natural to wonder if his sons share his love for the beautiful game. Since the family’s move to the United States, the answer has become a resounding yes. All three boys—Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro—have been enrolled in the Inter Miami youth academy, practicing and playing on the very same grounds where their dad trains. This move confirms that soccer is a true family affair, though each boy is approaching the sport with his own unique style.

While they share a famous last name, Messi and Antonela have often shared in interviews that their sons could not be more different. From the thoughtful eldest to the famously mischievous middle child, their distinct personalities are a frequent source of joy and humor for the family. These differences are often on full display, whether they’re kicking a ball around in the backyard or reacting to goals from the sidelines at an Inter Miami match.

Based on stories shared by Messi himself, the personalities of the three boys break down like this:

• Thiago: The calm and thoughtful one. As the oldest, he understands soccer the most, is a huge fan like his dad, and is often more reserved and focused.
• Mateo: The energetic, funny character. Famous for his rebellious streak, Mateo loves to compete and has been known to celebrate goals from opposing teams just to annoy his older brother.
• Ciro: The sweet-natured youngest. Still developing his own personality, Ciro often follows his older brothers’ lead and is described by his parents as being a calm and good-natured toddler.

Watching the three boys grow up in the public eye provides a charming glimpse into the Messi household’s new life in Miami. Their presence at games, cheering on their father, shows a family adjusting to a new home while sharing an undeniable passion. Beyond their own budding talents, the way Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro interact with their father reveals something even more compelling about the global icon himself.

A Father First: What the Messi Children Reveal About the Global Icon

The personal stories and meanings behind his children’s names offer a genuine insight into Lionel Messi’s world as a father, transforming public trivia into a more human story. The thoughtful selections—from Thiago’s tribute to Mateo’s celebrated arrival and Ciro’s rock-inspired name—create a warm portrait of a man whose role as a father is as central to his identity as his legendary career.

Ultimately, the stories of Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro are a reminder that behind the statistics and trophies is a family man making meaningful choices for his children. It completes the picture of a global icon who is, first and foremost, a father.