When Lionel Messi triumphs on the soccer field, his biggest fans are always close by: his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, and their three sons, Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro. The world witnessed this heartwarming support during the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where Messi’s family was a constant source of encouragement. His sons, sporting jerseys with their father’s iconic name and number, shared emotional embraces with him after Argentina’s victory against France. These touching moments offered a glimpse into the strong bond of the Lionel Messi Family, a unit that has been his bedrock throughout his illustrious career.
Antonela Roccuzzo, Messi’s childhood sweetheart and now wife, captured the sentiment perfectly in an Instagram post after the World Cup win. Her words, expressing immense pride and acknowledging Messi’s years of dedication, resonated with fans worldwide. But beyond the accolades and global fame, at the heart of Messi’s life is his family. This article delves into the world of the Lionel Messi family, exploring the dynamics, personalities, and heartwarming moments that define their lives together.
Lionel Messi and Antonela Roccuzzo’s story is one of childhood friendship blossoming into lifelong love. Having known each other since they were young in their native Rosario, Argentina, they reconnected in 2005 and have been inseparable ever since. Their family began to grow with the arrival of Thiago in 2012, followed by Mateo in 2015, and Ciro in 2018. Fatherhood, Messi has openly shared, has profoundly changed his perspective on life, adding a new dimension to his already extraordinary journey. While Messi’s soccer prowess captivates billions, it’s the love and support of his family that truly anchors him. Let’s take a closer look at each member of the Lionel Messi family and discover what makes their bond so special.
Thiago Messi Roccuzzo: The Eldest Son Following in His Father’s Footsteps
Thiago Messi Roccuzzo, the eldest son in the Lionel Messi family, was born on November 2, 2012, marking Lionel and Antonela’s entry into parenthood. Shortly after Thiago’s arrival, Messi immortalized his love for his firstborn by getting a tattoo of Thiago’s name and handprints on his calf. This gesture was just the beginning of Messi publicly expressing how deeply fatherhood impacted him.
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In a 2013 interview, Messi poignantly stated, “My son has changed my life more than the Ballon d’Or [awards] have,” highlighting the shift in his priorities after becoming a father. He described his life becoming more grounded, focusing on family moments like taking Thiago to school, spending time at home with Antonela and the children, and enjoying simple pleasures like trips to the park. Despite his global fame, Messi cherishes the normalcy of his family life.
Thiago’s passion for soccer is evident, mirroring his father’s legendary career. Before Argentina’s World Cup victory, Thiago showed his support by writing out the lyrics to “Muchachos Ahora Nos Volvimos a Ilusionar,” a song that became Argentina’s World Cup anthem and a favorite of Messi’s. Thiago’s early involvement in soccer includes playing in Barcelona’s academy during Messi’s time with the club. A video of a young Thiago scoring a goal went viral, fueling excitement about a potential future soccer star in the family. Currently, Thiago is part of Inter Miami’s under-12 squad, continuing his soccer journey in the United States, further solidifying the legacy of the Lionel Messi family in the world of soccer.
Mateo Messi Roccuzzo: The Playful and Competitive Middle Child
Mateo Messi Roccuzzo, the second son in the Lionel Messi family, was born on September 11, 2015, adding another layer of dynamism to their family life. Messi describes Mateo as “very special” and attention-grabbing, noting his playful and sometimes mischievous nature. While Thiago is characterized as calm, Mateo embodies Messi’s own competitive spirit. “Mateo is the same as me when I was little, he doesn’t like to lose anything,” Messi shared, emphasizing their shared drive.
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This competitive nature extends to their family soccer matches, where Messi admits he doesn’t easily let his sons win. Antonela even playfully intervened in a video, reminding Messi to “let the kids win,” showcasing the lighthearted family dynamics amidst their competitive streaks. Mateo’s passion for soccer and his father’s career is also evident in his emotional reactions to games. After Argentina’s surprising loss to Saudi Arabia at the World Cup, Messi revealed that Mateo was in tears, highlighting how deeply the family shares in Messi’s professional journey’s highs and lows.
On Mateo’s 8th birthday, Antonela posted a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, calling him “8 years of stealing hearts,” underscoring Mateo’s endearing and spirited personality within the Lionel Messi family. His energetic and competitive nature, coupled with his family’s unwavering support, paints a picture of a young boy growing up with a strong sense of self and passion.
Ciro Messi Roccuzzo: The Youngest and Still Developing His Personality
Ciro Messi Roccuzzo, the youngest member of the Lionel Messi family, was born on March 10, 2018. Continuing the tradition of commemorating their children with tattoos, both Lionel and Antonela have tattoos dedicated to Ciro. Messi has Ciro’s name and birth date on his calf, joining his brothers’ names, while Antonela has “Ciro” tattooed on her arm.
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Being the youngest, Ciro is still developing his personality, but Messi notes that he often imitates his older brother Mateo, and they often team up, creating a lively dynamic at home. Reflecting on fatherhood in 2018, shortly after Ciro’s birth, Messi described the arrival of his three sons as “life changing.” He expressed immense joy in the family they had created, emphasizing that family was his greatest happiness, even alongside his professional aspirations.
On Ciro’s 5th birthday in 2023, Antonela shared a loving Instagram post, calling him “Forever our Baby,” capturing the enduring affection for their youngest son within the Lionel Messi family. While still young, Ciro is growing up surrounded by love and the inspiring legacy of his father, with his personality continuing to unfold within the supportive family environment.
Conclusion: The Heartwarming Foundation of Lionel Messi’s Life
The Lionel Messi family is more than just a celebrity family; they are a close-knit unit that provides unwavering support and love. From Antonela Roccuzzo’s steadfast partnership with Lionel to the unique personalities of Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro, each member contributes to the family’s strong bond. Messi himself frequently emphasizes how fatherhood has reshaped his life, providing him with a grounding force amidst the pressures of his global soccer career.
The images of his sons cheering him on at the World Cup and the heartfelt messages from Antonela offer glimpses into the genuine affection and pride that defines the Lionel Messi family. As Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro grow, they are not only witnessing their father’s extraordinary achievements but also forging their own paths, influenced by the values and love instilled within their family. The story of the Lionel Messi family is a heartwarming reminder that even on the world’s biggest stages, family remains the most important team of all.
