As the 2026 World Cup draws closer, many are curious about Lionel Messi’s family life and how old his children will be during the iconic tournament. During that year, his three sons with wife Antonela Roccuzzo will be entering their pre-teen and teenage years, marking a new chapter for the famous family.
Here is a simple breakdown of how old Messi’s kids will be in 2026, based on their publicly known birthdates:
- Thiago Messi: Will be 14 years old
- Mateo Messi: Will be 11 years old
- Ciro Messi: Will be 8 years old
For soccer fans, these ages are more than just numbers. The 2026 World Cup could be a defining moment late in Messi’s career, and knowing his sons’ ages paints a picture of the family that will be cheering him on from the sidelines. Each of his sons has a unique story, from the oldest, Thiago, to the famously mischievous Mateo, and the youngest, Ciro.
The Official Timeline: Messi’s Children’s Birthdates and Ages
Beyond his legendary status in soccer, Lionel Messi is a dedicated family man. He and his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, share three sons who have grown up in the public eye, often seen celebrating with their father on the field after a big win. Knowing their specific birthdates is key to understanding the timeline of their ages as they grow.
The family timeline provides a simple and direct answer for anyone curious about their ages leading up to the big year of 2026.
Here is a breakdown of each child’s birthdate and what their age will be:
- Thiago Messi: Born on November 2, 2012. He will be 13 years old for most of 2026, turning 14 late in the year.
- Mateo Messi: Born on September 11, 2015. He will be 10 years old for most of 2026, turning 11 in September.
- Ciro Messi: Born on March 10, 2018. He will be 8 years old for all of 2026.
These ages provide context for why the year 2026 is so important to soccer fans and to Messi’s own story, which is tied to the sport’s biggest global event.
Why Is Everyone Asking About 2026? The World Cup Connection
The sudden interest in the year 2026 from soccer fans goes beyond simple curiosity. That year marks the next FIFA Men’s World Cup, the biggest and most-watched soccer tournament on the planet. Because this event only happens every four years, its arrival is a massive global moment. Knowing the ages of Messi’s children helps paint a picture of what his family life will look like during this significant period in his career.
What makes this particular tournament even more special is its location. The 2026 World Cup will be hosted across North America—in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. With Messi and his family now living in Miami, a major portion of the tournament will essentially be taking place on home soil. This unique proximity means his wife and three sons can be more involved than ever before.
For Messi himself, this event represents a potential final chapter. Given his age, many speculate that the 2026 tournament could be his last time competing for the coveted World Cup trophy. Imagining his sons—at ages 14, 11, and 8—watching from the stands adds a deeply personal layer to the story and leads fans to wonder if any of them might one day carry on the family’s soccer legacy.
Meet Thiago Messi: Will the Oldest Son Follow in His Father’s Footsteps?
Of the three brothers, Thiago is the one most directly following in his father’s legendary footsteps. Since the family’s move to the United States, he has officially joined the Inter Miami youth academy, playing on a team with other boys his age. This move has given fans the first real glimpse into whether the Messi soccer dynasty might one day continue.
While Lionel Messi has described his oldest son as a bit shy, he has also shared that Thiago is incredibly passionate about the game. He reportedly watches every match and isn’t afraid to discuss the details with his dad afterward, sometimes even offering friendly critiques. This shows a genuine love for the sport that goes beyond just kicking a ball around in the backyard and points to a deep understanding of its strategy.
For now, however, the focus is simply on enjoyment. With Thiago Messi’s age in 2026 being just 14, his parents have made it clear there is no pressure on him to become a professional. The goal is for him to have fun and love what he does. While Thiago represents the thoughtful, dedicated side of the family, his younger brother, Mateo, has captured fans’ hearts for entirely different, more comical reasons.
Meet Mateo Messi: The Family’s Energetic and Comical Star
If Thiago is the quiet observer, then Mateo is the family’s lovable showman. Known for his huge personality and mischievous energy, Mateo has become a fan-favorite for his hilarious antics, which his parents often share on social media. Lionel Messi himself has called him a “little terror,” but always with a laugh, highlighting the playful and spirited nature that defines his middle child. He is the one you’ll often see making funny faces for the camera or dancing on the sidelines during a game.
One of the most famous stories about Mateo perfectly captures his playful troublemaking. Messi once shared that to annoy his older brother Thiago—a huge fan of his dad’s former team, Barcelona—Mateo would celebrate goals scored by rival teams. It’s a classic case of sibling rivalry that any family can relate to, showing his clever and funny side.
Don’t let the jokes fool you, though; Mateo loves soccer just as much as his brothers. As part of the Messi family life in Miami, he has also joined the Inter Miami youth academy, where he’s developing his own skills on the field. While his potential football career is years away, it’s clear the passion for the game runs deep.
Meet Ciro Messi: What We Know About the Youngest Brother
Rounding out the trio of Messi boys is Ciro, the youngest of the three. Born in March 2018, Ciro will be 8 years old when the 2026 World Cup takes place. As the baby of the family, he’s often the one you’ll see being carried by his dad onto the field for post-game celebrations or holding tightly to his mother’s hand. He completes the picture of the tight-knit Messi family unit.
Because he’s still so young, the public has seen less of Ciro’s distinct personality compared to his energetic brother Mateo or his thoughtful older brother Thiago. However, in photos and videos shared by his parents, he is always right in the middle of the action, a happy and beloved part of the sibling group. He seems to have a sweet and gentle nature, often observing his older brothers with a smile.
Following in his family’s footsteps, Ciro has also started to explore his soccer skills. He has joined the Inter Miami youth academy, making it a true family affair as all three brothers now train at the club. With the boys growing up so fast, the person at the center of their world is their mother, who lovingly manages their busy lives.
Who Is Antonela Roccuzzo? The Heart of the Messi Family
The constant presence supporting the Messi boys is their mother, Antonela Roccuzzo. Her story with Lionel Messi, however, began long before they were famous parents. Their relationship is a true childhood sweetheart story, as they met when they were kids growing up in the same hometown of Rosario, Argentina. This shared history created a powerful bond that serves as the foundation for the entire Messi family.
You will almost always spot Antonela and her children in the stands, cheering enthusiastically at nearly every one of Lionel’s games. She is widely seen as his biggest supporter and a grounding force, helping create a sense of normalcy for their sons amid global fame. Her focus is clearly on providing a loving and stable environment, a priority that has been central to their family life in Miami.
While she is a dedicated mother, Antonela is also a successful model and businesswoman with her own impressive career. She has cultivated a distinct public identity while remaining the anchor for her family. As her sons grow up and begin to navigate the pressures that come with their famous last name, Antonela’s role as a supportive guide will be more important than ever.
What Awaits the Next Generation? Messi on His Sons and Soccer
It’s a question on many minds: will the world see another generation of Messi talent on the soccer field? With a father considered one of the greatest players of all time, the pressure and expectation could be enormous. This speculation about the future of Messi’s sons in soccer is a constant topic among fans, many of whom dream of seeing the famous name on the back of a jersey for years to come.
Despite the global curiosity, Lionel Messi has been very clear about his approach to parenting. In public comments, he has consistently stated that he will never pressure his sons to become professional players. His main priority is for them to be happy with whatever path they choose in life. If they enjoy soccer, he has said he will be their biggest supporter, but he emphasizes that the decision must be entirely their own, free from the weight of his legacy.
For now, the boys are simply enjoying their childhood. While the oldest, Thiago, does play for a youth academy in Miami, it’s framed as having fun rather than professional training. Ultimately, whether we’ll see any of them on the world stage—perhaps even one day following in their father’s footsteps to play for Argentina—is a story that will unfold over many years. For Lionel and Antonela, the goal isn’t creating a dynasty; it’s raising happy children.
Conclusion: A Family Snapshot for 2026
This provides a complete picture of Lionel Messi’s family life during a potential career milestone. Instead of just knowing numbers, you can visualize the very different stages of life his three sons will be in—from a teenager to a young child—as they watch their father on the world’s biggest stage. This context makes the 2026 World Cup more than just a date on the soccer calendar.
As a final reminder for that future date, here’s a look at the Messi kids’ ages:
- Thiago: 14 years old
- Mateo: 11 years old
- Ciro: 8 years old
Ultimately, understanding the Messi family isn’t just about dates and ages. It’s about seeing one of the greatest athletes of all time through a more human lens. As the world watches to see what he does next on the field, it’s clear his most important legacy may be the family he is raising off of it.
