Lionel Messi’s stellar performance in leading Argentina to victory at the 2022 FIFA World Cup was made even more special by the presence of his biggest fans: his family. Among the roaring crowds, his wife, Antonella Roccuzzo, and their three sons, Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro, cheered him on, embodying the heart and soul of the Messi Family. The heartwarming scenes of Messi celebrating with his sons after the final match underscored the pivotal role his family plays in his life and career. This article delves into the world of the Messi family, exploring the dynamics, personalities, and heartwarming moments that define this iconic sporting family.
Following Argentina’s triumph, photos of Messi embracing his sons, all clad in jerseys bearing their father’s name and number 10, went viral. Antonella Roccuzzo, Messi’s childhood sweetheart and now wife, captured the essence of their collective pride and joy in an emotional Instagram post. “I don’t even know how to start,” she wrote, expressing the immense pride the Messi family felt for Lionel. Her words highlighted years of dedication and perseverance, culminating in Messi finally achieving the coveted World Champion title.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(999×0:1001×2)/messi-kids-1-a56a1cfa5a10428bab9397338ab8ccf6.jpg)
Lionel Messi embraces his sons, Thiago and Mateo, after Argentina’s World Cup victory, showcasing the strong bond within the Messi family.
Lionel Messi and Antonella Roccuzzo’s love story is one for the ages. Having known each other since childhood in their native Rosario, Argentina, they reconnected in 2005 and have been inseparable ever since. Their journey together blossomed with the arrival of Thiago in 2012, Mateo in 2015, and Ciro in 2018, solidifying the foundations of the modern Messi family.
Messi himself has openly spoken about the transformative influence of fatherhood. In a 2017 interview with FC Barcelona, he shared how having children broadened his perspective on life. “You grow and you learn,” Messi explained, emphasizing the profound personal growth he experienced. “But, as a human being, having three children changed my perspective on life, my way of thinking and it also helped me grow.” This sentiment reveals how deeply intertwined his family life is with his personal and professional evolution.
While the 2022 World Cup wasn’t Messi’s first, he noted its increased significance as his sons were now old enough to truly appreciate the magnitude of the event. “From the very beginning, from kick-off to the final whistle, I’m thinking of my children,” he revealed after a match against Australia, emphasizing the constant presence of his Messi family in his thoughts and motivations.
Despite his global fame, Messi and Roccuzzo strive to maintain a grounded family life. Messi encourages his sons to pursue their passions, regardless of whether it involves soccer. However, it’s evident that the Messi children are naturally drawn to the beautiful game, inheriting their father’s passion and talent. From cheering him on from the sidelines to engaging in friendly matches at home, soccer is undeniably a central theme in the Messi family dynamic.
Thiago Messi Roccuzzo: The Eldest Son
Born on November 2, 2012, Thiago Messi Roccuzzo is the eldest of the Messi sons. Shortly after Thiago’s birth, Lionel Messi immortalized his firstborn’s arrival with a tattoo of Thiago’s name and handprints on his calf, a testament to the deep bond between father and son within the Messi family.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(749×0:751×2)/messi-kids-2-0444be60f21d4c29b5b5feeeaeee21b5.jpg)
Thiago Messi, Lionel Messi’s eldest son, pictured with his father, showcasing the close relationship within the Messi family.
Messi has been candid about the profound impact Thiago had on his life, even stating in a 2013 interview that “My son has changed my life more than the Ballon d’Or [awards] have.” This statement underscores the immense value Messi places on his Messi family above even his professional accolades. Fatherhood, according to Messi, reshaped his priorities and provided a new lens through which he views life.
In a 2016 essay for Sports Illustrated, Messi offered a glimpse into their everyday life, painting a picture of normalcy amidst extraordinary fame. He described a typical day involving school runs for Thiago, training sessions, and quality family time at home or in the park. This portrayal of the Messi family highlights their desire for a “normal, calm life,” despite the global spotlight.
Ahead of Argentina’s World Cup victory, Thiago demonstrated his support for his father by writing out the lyrics to “Muchachos Ahora Nos Volvimos a Ilusionar,” the unofficial anthem of Argentina during the tournament and reportedly a personal favorite of Messi’s. This heartwarming gesture, shared by Antonella on Instagram, showcased Thiago’s deep connection to his father’s career and the national team.
Following in his father’s footsteps, Thiago began playing soccer at a young age. He honed his skills in Barcelona’s famed academy during Messi’s tenure with the club. A viral video from 2020 captured Thiago scoring in his first match, fueling early comparisons to his legendary father. Currently, Thiago is part of Inter Miami’s under-12 squad, continuing the Messi family legacy in the sport.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(963×0:965×2)/messi-kids-3-a897e0f5546a45ec9a410bec5ac21bbb.jpg)
Lionel Messi and Thiago share a moment on the field, highlighting the father-son bond and Thiago’s budding soccer career within the Messi family.
Mateo Messi Roccuzzo: The Competitive Middle Child
Mateo Messi Roccuzzo, the second son, was born on September 11, 2015. Messi describes Mateo as “very special” and attention-grabbing, noting his unique and dynamic personality within the Messi family structure.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(999×0:1001×2)/messi-kids-4-66b62796392948e583f85a20baa5736b.jpg)
Mateo Messi, known for his playful and competitive nature, embodies the vibrant energy of the Messi family.
While Thiago is characterized as calm, Messi identifies Mateo as mirroring his own competitive spirit from childhood. “Mateo is the same as me when I was little, he doesn’t like to lose anything,” Messi told Argentinian journalist Sebastián Vignolo. This competitive streak is a defining trait of Mateo’s personality within the Messi family.
Even in friendly soccer matches at home, Mateo’s competitiveness shines through. Antonella playfully called out Messi in an Instagram video, urging him to “let the kids win,” showcasing the lighthearted family dynamics and Mateo’s determined nature.
Mateo’s competitive spirit extends to supporting his father’s career. After Argentina’s unexpected loss to Saudi Arabia at the World Cup, Messi revealed that Mateo was brought to tears by the defeat. This emotional reaction underscores the deep connection the Messi family shares with Messi’s professional journey and the intense emotions they experience together.
Antonella celebrated Mateo’s 8th birthday with a touching Instagram tribute, captioning photos with “We love you infinitely Matu 8 years of stealing hearts,” emphasizing Mateo’s endearing personality and the strong family affection within the Messi family.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(999×0:1001×2)/messi-kids-5-5736a063f043483b883c279617048828.jpg)
Mateo Messi’s energetic personality and close bond with his father are key aspects of the Messi family dynamic.
Ciro Messi Roccuzzo: The Youngest and Growing Star
Ciro Messi Roccuzzo, the youngest member of the Messi family, was born on March 10, 2018. Both Lionel and Antonella have tattoos dedicated to Ciro, with Messi having Ciro’s name and birth date inked on his calf alongside his brothers’ names, and Antonella sporting “Ciro” on her arm, further cementing Ciro’s place within the family’s heart and iconography.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(799×0:801×2)/messi-kids-6-9d1bdbf990a848ee98415503e2c2b08e.jpg)
Ciro Messi, the youngest son, is growing into his own within the loving and supportive Messi family.
Messi describes Ciro as still developing his personality but notes that he already emulates his older brother Mateo. “He copies Mateo a lot, and they go against me a lot,” Messi mentioned in a 2022 interview, highlighting the typical sibling dynamics within the Messi family.
Even when Ciro was just eight months old, Messi described the births of his sons as “life changing” in an essay for Sports Illustrated. He expressed immense joy in the family they had created, emphasizing the profound personal fulfillment his Messi family brings him.
In that same essay from 2018, while reveling in his family life, Messi also voiced his aspiration to win a World Cup with Argentina. Four years later, that dream became a reality, with Ciro and his brothers present to witness and celebrate their father’s historic achievement.
Antonella commemorated Ciro’s 5th birthday with an affectionate Instagram post in March 2023, sharing recent and throwback photos of Ciro with the caption “Para siempre nuestro Bebé,” meaning “Forever our baby.” This tender message encapsulates the enduring love and cherishing nature within the Messi family.
The Messi family embodies a blend of global stardom and relatable family values. Lionel Messi’s journey, punctuated by professional triumphs and personal milestones, is deeply interwoven with the unwavering support and love of Antonella and their three sons. As Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro grow, they not only carry the Messi name but also contribute to the ongoing narrative of a family that remains grounded, close-knit, and inspiring both on and off the soccer field. The Messi family story is a testament to the power of family in shaping and celebrating life’s greatest achievements.
