Lionel Messi’s son Thiago has been following in his father’s footsteps by featuring for Inter Miami’s academy this week.
Pictured wearing Lionel’s iconic number 10 shirt, 12-year-old Thiago Messi has been playing for Inter Miami under-13’s.
Miami’s academy side have been taking part in the Newell’s Cup in Rosario, Argentina – the city where Messi Sr. was born.
Eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel grew up in Rosario, and played for Newell’s Old Boys before joining Barcelona aged 13.
After graduating from Barca’s famous La Masia academy, Messi went on to become a superstar.
Widely regarded as one of – if not the best – players of all time, Messi has won a staggering amount.
The 37-year-old won 13 league titles and four Champions Leagues in Europe with Barcelona and PSG. He has since joined MLS side Inter Miami, having also captained Argentina to World Cup success in 2022 as well as the Copa America in 2021 and 2024.
Like FATHER, like SON! 😍
Thiago Messi makes a magical pass in front of a mural of Leo Messi kissing the World Cup trophy—breathtaking! Simply amazing! 🐐💫⚽️ pic.twitter.com/C4wVJ8Y4hX
— MrKickBall (@Mr_Kickball) November 26, 2024
Lionel Messi’s Son Playing Alongside Suarez Junior
Another famous name in the Inter Miami academy is that of Benjamin Suarez. Son of Uruguayan legend Luis, Benjamin’s father formed a deadly partnership with Lionel Messi.
The pair scored more than 860 goals between them for Barcelona, and have linked up once more in Miami.
And now, their sons are playing together in the youth ranks.
In the shadow of a mural depicting Messi Sr. lifting the world cup, Inter Miami lost 1-0 to Lionel’s former academy side, Newell’s Old Boys.
But with two of the most prolific goalscoring fathers in football history, we’re sure Thiago Messi and Benjamin Suarez will bounce back quickly.
Neither Lionel Messi or Luis Suarez were present at the match, understandably.
But Thiago’s grandparents, Jorge and Celia Messi along with his mother Antonela Roccuzzo, were all in attendance at the Jorge B Griffa Sports Complex.
Miami’s star-studded youth side are back in action on Tuesday, facing Uruguayan outift Penarol 91.
