Thiago Messi, son of legendary footballer Lionel Messi, is starting to carve his own path in football. The 12-year-old wore his father’s iconic number 10 shirt as he represented Inter Miami’s under-13 team at the Newell’s Cup in Rosario, Argentina.
The tournament, now in its 10th edition, features youth teams from eight clubs across North and South America competing over five days. Monday’s match saw Thiago and his teammates face Newell’s Old Boys, Lionel Messi’s boyhood club, where he spent five formative years before his move to Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy at the same age as his son is now.
Carrying a Legacy
Thiago’s debut at the Jorge B Griffa Sports Complex was steeped in symbolism. Although Lionel Messi was not present, a large banner depicting him kissing the World Cup served as a reminder of the immense legacy he carries. Lionel, now 37, has enjoyed a career most players can only dream of, winning:
- 13 league titles
- Four Champions League titles
- Three international trophies with Argentina, including the World Cup in 2022
Despite the pressure of living up to his father’s monumental achievements, Thiago has shown a passion for the game, a trait likely influenced by growing up around one of football’s greatest icons.
Family Support on the Sidelines
While Lionel was absent, Thiago had the support of his mother, Antonela Roccuzzo, and his grandparents, Jorge and Celia Messi, who were present in the stands. The match, however, ended in a narrow 1-0 defeat for Inter Miami to host club Newell’s Old Boys.
Thiago wasn’t the only famous footballer’s child on the pitch. Benjamin Suarez, son of Inter Miami striker Luis Suarez, also featured in the match, hinting at a new generation of potential stars growing under the watchful eyes of football royalty.
Building the Next Chapter
Inter Miami’s youth team will continue their campaign in the tournament, next facing Uruguay’s Penarol 91. While Thiago’s football journey is still in its infancy, his presence on the pitch is a glimpse into the future for a family that has already left an indelible mark on the sport.
For now, the focus is on development and enjoyment. But with Thiago donning the same number 10 jersey his father has made legendary, the world will undoubtedly watch with interest as he embarks on a path filled with both promise and pressure.
