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Imago

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Imago

Few athletes have achieved the global fame and lasting legacy of Lionel Messi. Widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, Messi’s brilliance on the pitch is known to millions. But beyond the goals, trophies, and record-breaking achievements, he is also a devoted family man. Together with his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, Messi has built a close-knit family and is the proud father of three sons: Thiago, born in 2012; Mateo, born in 2015; and Ciro, born in 2018. As the football icon continues to shape his legendary career, fans are increasingly curious about the family who share his journey and the next generation carrying the Messi name forward.

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Who are Lionel Messi’s sons, Thiago Messi Roccuzzo, Mateo Messi Roccuzzo, and Ciro Messi Roccuzzo?

Messi shares three sons with his childhood sweetheart and wife, Antonela Roccuzzo: Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro. Raised between Europe and the United States as their father’s career evolved, the boys have grown up in the spotlight while enjoying a close-knit family life. 

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They are frequently seen cheering for Lionel Messi from the stands and have also developed an interest in football themselves through youth academies and training programs. Although still young, the trio is already immersed in a world shaped by sports, education, and family values. Fans regularly catch glimpses of their lives through photos and videos shared by Messi and Antonela on social media, showcasing family vacations, celebrations, and everyday moments together. 

Who is Thiago Messi Roccuzzo?

Thiago Messi Roccuzzo is the eldest son of Lionel Messi and Antonela Roccuzzo. Born on November 2, 2012, he is 13 years old as of 2026 and has grown up alongside his father’s remarkable football journey across Spain, France, and the United States.

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Following in the footsteps of his legendary father, Thiago has developed a passion for football from a young age. He currently plays in the youth setup of Inter Miami CF, where he has represented several age-group teams, including the U12, U13, and U14 squads in youth competitions. Having spent parts of his childhood in Spain and France, Thiago was also exposed to the football cultures surrounding FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain during his father’s time at those clubs.

While comparisons with Messi are inevitable, Thiago’s style of play is often described as different from his father’s at the same age. Rather than relying on explosive dribbling and goalscoring, he is known for his creativity, vision, composure on the ball, and ability to create chances for teammates from midfield. Off the pitch, Thiago maintains a relatively normal childhood despite global attention, regularly appearing in family photos and celebrations shared by his parents.

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Who is Mateo Messi Roccuzzo?

Mateo Messi Roccuzzo is the second son of Lionel Messi and Antonela Roccuzzo. Born on September 11, 2015, Mateo is 10 years old and will turn 11 later in 2026. Like his older brother Thiago, Mateo is growing up around football and is part of Inter Miami CF’s youth development setup. Living in Florida with his family, he balances school life with his involvement in youth football, where he is already developing his skills and passion for the sport.

Mateo has often been described by Messi as the most competitive and mischievous of his three sons. While it is still far too early to predict whether he will follow his father’s professional path, he has already shown a strong love for the game and enjoys being involved in football activities alongside his brothers.

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Who is Ciro Messi Roccuzzo?

Ciro Messi Roccuzzo is the youngest son of Lionel Messi and Antonela Roccuzzo. Born on March 10, 2018, Ciro is 8 years old as of 2026 and has spent much of his childhood in the United States since his father’s move to Inter Miami CF.

Like his older brothers, Thiago and Mateo, Ciro attends school in South Florida and has already developed a passion for football. He participates in the club’s youth academy system, where he is beginning to learn the fundamentals of the game and gain experience in organized competition. Although he is still very young, clips of Ciro and his brothers playing have sparked plenty of discussion among fans. 

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While the world continues to marvel at Lionel Messi’s achievements on the pitch, his greatest pride may well be the family he has built off it. Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro are still at the very beginning of their journeys, with plenty of time to discover their own passions and identities. Whether they choose to follow their father’s footsteps into professional football or carve out entirely different paths, they have grown up surrounded by strong family values, support, and a deep appreciation for their Argentine roots. 

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Tanushree Bhowmick

2,935 Articles

Tanushree Bhowmick is a Senior Olympic Sports Writer at EssentiallySports with over five years of experience in sports and lifestyle journalism. Having covered UFC and MMA extensively, she now brings that lens to Olympic wrestling—highlighting how traditional combat disciplines echo through modern fighting. With a keen eye for technique and storytelling, her work explores how champions are shaped across both worlds.

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Snehal Dogra

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