A pivotal moment in Lionel Messi’s career unfolded during the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where he celebrated Argentina’s victory over France with his three sons—Mateo, Thiago, and Ciro—cheering him on.
After scoring two goals in the match, Messi shared a touching moment post-game, embracing his two eldest sons, who donned jerseys featuring their father’s name and iconic number 10. Their mother, Antonella Roccuzzo, later shared several heartfelt photos from the family celebration on social media.
For Messi, this World Cup was extra special, as his sons could finally understand and share in the joy of victory
In a heartfelt message accompanying the photos, Roccuzzo expressed immense pride for Messi, writing, “What a great pride we feel for you @leomessi. Thank you for teaching us to never give up, that we have to fight until the end. IT WAS FINALLY DONE YOU ARE A WORLD CHAMPION. We know what you suffered for so many years to achieve this!!!”
Messi and Roccuzzo, childhood friends who rekindled their relationship in 2005, welcomed their first child, Thiago, in 2012. Mateo followed in 2015, with Ciro completing their family in 2018.
Reflecting on his journey into fatherhood, Messi remarked that it profoundly transformed his worldview. In a 2017 interview with FC Barcelona, he noted, “You grow and learn.
You gather experience in all aspects of life, on and off the field. But, as a human being, having three children changed my perspective on life, my way of thinking and it also helped me grow.”
Although Messi had participated in previous World Cups, he found this particular experience unique, as his sons were now old enough to truly appreciate the event.
Following Argentina’s round of 16 victory over Australia, he shared, “From the very beginning, from kick-off to the final whistle, I’m thinking of my children. They’re growing older. They understand better what’s going on and they enjoy it more.”
Messi has encouraged his sons to pursue their passions, regardless of whether they choose soccer or another path. Nevertheless, it’s apparent that they are already emulating their father’s talent. Growing up around soccer, Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro are each developing their skills, with Messi often posting videos of their friendly matches at home.
Here’s a closer look at Messi’s three sons with Antonella Roccuzzo:
Thiago Messi Roccuzzo, 12
On November 2, 2012, Messi and Roccuzzo welcomed their first child, Thiago. Shortly after his birth, Messi expressed his love in a permanent way by tattooing his son’s name and handprints on his calf. In 2013, he remarked on the impact Thiago had on his life, stating, “My son has changed my life more than the Ballon d’Or [awards] have.” His priorities shifted dramatically after becoming a father, prompting him to see life differently.
Despite the fame that surrounds Messi, his life as a parent remains relatable. He shared his daily routine in a 2016 Sports Illustrated essay, describing a typical day that included taking Thiago to school, attending training sessions, and enjoying family time at home and in the park.
Ahead of the World Cup, Thiago publicly supported his father by writing down the lyrics to “Muchachos Ahora Nos Volvimos a Ilusionar,” Argentina’s unofficial anthem during the tournament, which is reportedly a favorite of Messi’s.
Having started playing soccer early on, Thiago was once a member of Barcelona’s youth academy during Messi’s tenure there from 2004 to 2021. A viral video from February 2020 showcased Thiago scoring a goal in his first match, leading fans to hail him as a promising talent. He currently plays for Inter Miami’s under-12 team after a stint at Paris Saint-Germain’s academy.
Mateo Messi Roccuzzo, 9
The couple welcomed their second son, Mateo, on September 11, 2015. Messi described Mateo as “very special” and noted his ability to always capture attention with his actions. He characterized Thiago as the more composed sibling, while Mateo is characterized by a fierce competitive spirit.
In an interview, Messi noted, “Mateo is the same as me when I was little; he doesn’t like to lose anything.” Roccuzzo humorously reminded Messi to let their sons win during a friendly soccer match, highlighting the competitive dynamic within their family.
Lionel Messi celebrates Argentina’s World Cup victory with his sons, Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro, cheering from the sidelines
Mateo’s competitive nature extends to his father’s professional life. Following a shocking loss to Saudi Arabia in November, Messi recounted how Mateo left the stadium in tears. “My family suffers the same as all Argentines, but we are happy and we get comfortable again because now our progress depends on us,” he reflected.
To celebrate Mateo’s 8th birthday, Roccuzzo shared a loving tribute on Instagram, saying, “We love you infinitely, Matu, 8 years of stealing hearts” alongside playful photos of him.
Ciro Messi Roccuzzo, 6
The youngest of the trio, Ciro, was born on March 10, 2018. Both Messi and Roccuzzo have honored him with tattoos, with Messi featuring Ciro’s name and birth date along with his siblings’ names on his calf, and Roccuzzo having “Ciro” inked on her arm.
Messi described Ciro as still developing his identity but noted that he often imitates his older brother, Mateo. In an interview, he mentioned, “He copies Mateo a lot, and they go against me a lot.”
When Ciro was just eight months old, Messi expressed the transformative nature of fatherhood, declaring that he was thrilled with the family he had built. “I’m ecstatic about the family we have been able to create,” he wrote in a Sports Illustrated essay.
At the time, he was still pursuing one major goal: “Of course, outside of my family, nothing would make me happier than to win my first World Cup with Argentina in 2018,” he said. Just four years later, he achieved that dream, celebrating the victory alongside all three of his sons.
On March 10, 2023, Roccuzzo commemorated Ciro’s 5th birthday with a heartfelt Instagram post, sharing a recent photo of him in a #10 jersey and a nostalgic image from his infancy. She wrote, “Para siempre nuestro Bebé,” which translates to “Forever our baby.”
