Messi’s Legacy Lives On: Son Makes First Inter Miami Appearance in Newell’s Cup

Thiago Messi made his debut for Inter Miami’s U-13 team at the Newell’s Cup, a youth football tournament held in Rosario, Argentina.

He wore his father’s iconic number 10 shirt during the match on Monday. The Newell’s Cup, in its 10th edition, sees eight teams from North and South America compete in a five-day tournament.

Father Lionel Messi, born in Rosario, spent five years in Newell’s Old Boys youth academy before moving to the very famous La Masia in Barcelona at the age of 13. Messi Sr., since then, has been associated with some of the greatest and most glorious titles.

He won 13 league titles and four Champions League titles. He also took the Argentina team to win the World Cup in 2022 and Copa America in both 2021 and 2024.

Thiago Performance and Family Support

Lionel Messi did not watch the game. However, a banner with him kissing the World Cup hung over the stadium watching over his son.

Thiago was supported in the stands by his mother, Antonela Roccuzzo, along with his grandparents, Jorge and Celia Messi.. Despite Thiago’s impressive display, Inter Miami’s U-13 team suffered a 1-0 defeat to the host team, Newell’s Old Boys.

He was not the only star player in the field. He was accompanied by Benjamin Suarez, who is the son of former Barcelona and Uruguay striker Luis Suarez, now with Inter Miami. Messi and Suarez had a successful stint together at Barcelona before joining Inter Miami.

A Debut to Remember

Thiago Messi playing in Newell’s Cup is not just another football game, but a sort of tribute to the enduring presence of Lionel Messi in football.

Playing in the youth team of Inter Miami, Thiago showed coolness, talent, and passion for football like his dad had many years ago, although too early to predict future possibilities.

Inter Miami’s Future and Messi’s Absence

Although Messi did not attend Thiago’s match, he, along with his close friend Suarez, is currently in Rosario after Inter Miami’s elimination from the MLS playoffs. The duo also attended a friendly game between Inter Miami’s U-13 team and Union.

Meanwhile, Inter Miami is undergoing changes, as they recently announced the hiring of Javier Mascherano, former Argentina and Barcelona star, to replace Gerardo Martino as head coach.

Messi’s Return to India

In addition to Thiago’s football debut, Messi’s wife Antonela was spotted signing autographs for fans at the stadium. Messi is also expected to return to India in 2025, marking his first trip to the country in 14 years.

Looking Ahead: Messi to Play for Argentina in the Friendly

Another great development is that Lionel Messi and his Argentina national football team will play an international friendly match in Kerala. According to V Abdurahiman, minister for sports, the high-profile event would be brought to the state with monetary support from local merchants themselves.

“All the financial assistance for organizing this high profile football event will be provided by the merchants of the state,” Abdurahiman told media.

Lionel Messi’s extraordinary career at Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, and now Inter Miami has immortalized this number. By choosing to wear the same jersey, Thiago honors his father’s legacy while stepping into the spotlight himself.

The sight was reminiscent of Lionel Messi in action when Thiago donned the Number 10 jersey. Fans were ecstatic to view the young Messi carry out the family football tradition on the field, thus firing up speculations that would one day see Thiago take over his father at the top level of this game.

The New Chapter

For Lionel Messi, watching his son take the field is a full-circle moment. Having achieved unparalleled success in his career, including World Cup glory, Messi is now supporting his son’s aspirations.

Thiago’s debut is a testament to the family’s love for football and their shared commitment to the sport.

Inter Miami has a great youth development program that helps Thiago grow and hone his skills. With the guidance of experienced coaches and support from his legendary father, Thiago has all he needs to carve out his path in the football world.