Following dad's footsteps: An inside look at Messi's children's football potential

The roar of the crowd, the frenetic pace of the match, and the electrifying energy on the pitch— these are some of the extraordinary experiences that come with being the offspring of a football legend like Lionel Messi. Yet, it's the intimate family moments, like those shared during the 2022 FIFA World Cup victory against France, that perhaps offer the most telling insights into the lives of Messi's sons, Mateo, Thiago, and Ciro.
Celebrations erupted as Argentina secured their win, but for Messi, the most poignant moment was probably the post-match embrace from his boys, dressed in jerseys bearing their father's renowned number '10'. Their faces alight with joy and admiration, they swarmed their father, marking an indelible moment that beautifully encapsulated the melding of Messi's roles as an international football icon and a doting dad.
This spectacle stirred speculation: Will the Messi boys follow in their father's legendary footsteps? The images of them proudly wearing their dad's jersey, their eyes mirroring the same fiery passion for the game, suggest that the potential is there. Yet, the question remains: are Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro merely Messi's biggest fans, or are they future football stars in the making?
Their father's influence is undeniable, both in their lives and potentially on their career paths. As they grow up under the Messi legacy, they're learning first-hand about dedication, resilience, and the sweet taste of victory. However, only time will tell if these priceless experiences will eventually inspire them to carve their own path in football, and perhaps one day, even challenge their father's extraordinary legacy.

Thiago - the first-born son who adores...Ronaldo

Born on November 2, 2012, Thiago Messi Roccuzzo was thrust into the limelight from his very first breath. As the eldest son of Lionel Messi, one of the greatest footballers the world has ever seen, and Antonela Roccuzzo, a stunning model, young Thiago has been under scrutiny from curious onlookers and football enthusiasts right from the get-go. With a potent mix of Argentine and Spanish descent, Thiago, a Scorpio, carries the promise of an intriguing future.
Interestingly, Thiago's initial tryst with football didn't quite echo his father's unwavering love for the sport. His younger brother, Mateo, seemed to have more of a natural inclination towards the beautiful game. But a calculated decision to enroll Thiago in La Masia, Barcelona's esteemed soccer school, seemed to ignite a latent spark. It didn't take long for Thiago to start making waves in his under-8 team, much to the delight of onlookers.
With Lionel Messi's high-profile move to Paris Saint-Germain F.C in 2021, Thiago and Mateo also found a new footballing home, now showcasing their growing talents in PSG's youth division.
In a delightful twist, young Thiago's footballing idol isn't his illustrious father but another renowned footballer, Cristiano Ronaldo. Known for his good behavior and love for family outings to popular theme parks, Thiago enjoys the perks of being a footballer's son, including exclusive access to match locker rooms. As he grows, the world watches with bated breath, eagerly waiting to see if this promising progeny can carve his own path in the footballing world.

Mateo Messi - the most likely Messi Jr

Born into a family where football runs in the blood, Mateo Messi Roccuzzo has the world holding its breath in anticipation. Mateo, the middle son of legendary footballer Lionel Messi and his wife Antonela Roccuzzo is emerging as a chip off the old block. His natural talent and enthusiasm for the game are hard to miss, even at his tender age of four.
In a captivating moment captured by his mother, Mateo was seen emulating his famous father. With a miniature ball at his feet and a tiny goalpost in front, Mateo displayed a deft touch and the keen sense of direction that his father is famous for. The sight of the youngster sweeping the ball into the top corner of his goal was a sight to behold.
But what truly warmed the hearts of football fans around the world was the celebration that followed his triumphant goal. Mateo kissed his hands and pointed towards the heavens, imitating his father's iconic celebration to a tee. For many Barcelona fans, it seemed like a beacon of hope, a glimpse into the future, perhaps. As the world watches Mateo Messi take his first strides into the world of football, the question remains - is he the most likely successor of Messi Sr.?

Ciro Messi - the only way to stop a scorer Messi is to become… the GK Messi?

Little Ciro Messi Roccuzzo, the youngest member of the Messi family, has already left an indelible mark on his parents. Born on March 10, 2018, Ciro's name and birthdate are lovingly etched on Lionel Messi's calf, while his mother, Antonela Roccuzzo, has adorned her arm with his name.
Just a few years into his life, Ciro's personality is already emerging, strongly influenced by his older brother Mateo. "He copies Mateo a lot, and they go against me a lot," Messi said in an interview back in October 2022. This playfully rebellious streak has become a defining part of Ciro's early childhood.
Still, it's Ciro's burgeoning interest in football that has piqued the curiosity of fans worldwide. Unlike his brothers, who seem to be treading in their father's footsteps, Ciro is showing an inclination towards guarding the goalpost. At an age when most toddlers are learning to walk steadily, Ciro seems to be eyeing a position as a goalkeeper.
While it's far too early to predict the athletic futures of any of Messi's sons, this deviation from the norm has sparked quite a bit of speculation among fans. Will Ciro become Barcelona's future answer to Ter Stegen? Only time will tell, but for now, the mere prospect is enough to keep fans intrigued and looking forward to seeing this youngest Messi in action.