Behind every great footballer lies a powerful source of inspiration, and for Lionel Messi, that source is his family.
Sure, he’s conquered the football world with an unmatched legacy, but when the spotlight fades and the jerseys come off, Messi isn’t just a global icon—he’s a devoted dad to three incredible boys: Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro.
Let’s take a closer look at the Messi squad, the kids who’ve been cheering their dad from the sidelines and stealing hearts worldwide.
Thiago Messi Roccuzzo, 12: The Firstborn and the Heart of the Family
Born on November 2, 2012, Thiago was the one who kicked off Messi’s fatherhood journey. The soccer legend was so smitten with his firstborn that he tattooed Thiago’s name and tiny handprints on his calf. Talk about setting the bar for dad goals.
Thiago is described as the “calm” and thoughtful sibling, often seen quietly soaking in the magic of his dad’s career. But don’t let the calm demeanor fool you—this kid knows how to make his presence felt.
During Argentina’s triumphant 2022 FIFA World Cup run, Thiago wrote down the lyrics to “Muchachos Ahora Nos Volvimos a Ilusionar,” the unofficial anthem of the team, and proudly displayed it. Messi later admitted it’s one of his favorite songs, proving Thiago is a chip off the old block.
These days, Thiago is chasing his own football dreams, currently playing for Inter Miami’s under-12 squad. With a father like Messi, it’s safe to say this kid has the best mentor in the business.
Mateo Messi Roccuzzo, 9: The Family’s Little Firecracker
Next up is Mateo, born on September 11, 2015, and let’s just say this middle child brings the spice to the Messi household. Known for his larger-than-life personality and cheeky antics, Mateo is the family’s undeniable entertainer.
According to Messi, Mateo is the competitive one—a trait he clearly inherited from his dad. “Mateo is just like me when I was little. He doesn’t like to lose at anything,” Messi shared in an interview.
But here’s the fun part: Mateo doesn’t just play the game; he plays with the game. Whether it’s challenging his dad to mini-matches or reacting to his dad’s career highs and lows with raw emotion (he reportedly cried after Argentina’s surprise loss to Saudi Arabia in the 2022 World Cup), Mateo wears his heart on his sleeve.
In family videos, Mateo’s banter is a crowd favorite. And when it comes to sibling rivalries, he’s often teaming up with his younger brother Ciro against their legendary dad—because even Messi has to lose sometimes.
Ciro Messi Roccuzzo, 6: The Baby of the Family
Born on March 10, 2018, Ciro is the youngest Messi boy, and his parents haven’t held back when it comes to showering him with love. Both Messi and Antonela Roccuzzo have tattoos dedicated to their little one, a constant reminder of how much he means to them.
At six years old, Ciro is still discovering who he is, but one thing’s for sure—he’s already mimicking his older brother Mateo’s playful energy. Messi jokes that Ciro and Mateo often gang up on him, proving that even football legends have to deal with sibling alliances at home.
Ciro might still be the baby of the family, but his appearances during Messi’s games are enough to steal the spotlight. Whether he’s donning his dad’s iconic No. 10 jersey or simply being the adorable kid that he is, Ciro has already secured his place in the hearts of fans worldwide.
Messi’s Take on Fatherhood: Life Beyond Football
Messi has been open about how becoming a father changed everything for him. “Having three children changed my perspective on life,” he admitted. “You grow, you learn, and your priorities shift.”
In a 2016 essay, Messi described his life off the field as refreshingly normal. A typical day? School drop-offs, family time at the park, and drinking maté with Antonela. It’s a far cry from the chaos of football stadiums, and that’s exactly how Messi likes it.
Despite his incredible career, Messi wants his boys to find their own passions. Whether they follow in his football footsteps or carve their own paths, Messi’s only wish is for them to “do what makes them happy.”
World Cup Glory with His Biggest Fans
The 2022 FIFA World Cup was Messi’s crowning achievement, and having his sons there made it even sweeter. After the final whistle against France, Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro rushed to embrace their dad in a moment that was as raw as it was unforgettable.
Antonela later shared photos of the celebration, calling Messi a “world champion” and expressing her pride in his journey.
For Messi, the World Cup wasn’t just about lifting the trophy—it was about creating memories his sons will cherish forever.
The Messi Boys: A Legacy in the Making
With Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro growing up surrounded by the love of their parents and the magic of football, it’s clear the Messi legacy is in good hands. Whether they become football stars or forge their own paths, one thing’s certain: the Messi boys are a testament to the power of family, love, and chasing your dreams.
Because at the end of the day, Lionel Messi isn’t just the GOAT—he’s a dad who’s making sure his sons know what it means to live with passion, kindness, and heart.
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