Getting to Know the Messi Family: Celebrating Argentina’s FIFA World Cup Victory in Qatar

Among the countless fans supporting Lionel Messi in the World Cup final against France, four very special fans were cheering him on from the stands.

The four were his sons, Thiago, Mateo and Ciro, along with his wife Antonela Roccuzzo.

Messi, who scored two goals in the final, made precious memories with his family as they posed with the trophy.

Messi, who played his fifth World Cup in Qatar, said that it was extra special because his sons were old enough to enjoy the win.

Get to know Lionel Messi’s family

Antonela Roccuzzo

Lionel Messi and Antonela Roccuzzo were childhood friends in their native town. Despite sharing a great bond, Messi had to leave his town, and go to Spain for football training when he just 13.

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Both reconnected in 2005 when Messi flew back to his hometown to console Roccuzzo after a personal tragedy. After four years of being together, they publicly announced their romance.

Messi proposed in 2010 and the couple tied the knot in their hometown of Rosario, Argentina in July 2017.

Thiago Messi Rocuzzo, 10

Lionel Messi and Antonela Roccuzzo became parents for the first time on November 3, 2012, after welcoming their son Thiago. Shortly after his birth, Messi celebrated the special occasion by getting Thiago’s name and handprints tattooed on his calf.

Messi’s eldest son, Thiago.
| Photo Credit:
ANTONELA ROCCUZZO INSTAGRAM

Messi and Roccuzzo became parents for the first time on Nov. 2, 2012, when they welcomed their son Thiago. Shortly after his birth, Messi showed off his love for his young son in a permanent fashion by getting the newborn’s name and handprints tattooed on his calf.

Thiago, who is now 10 years old, started playing football at a young age and was a member of the Barcelona academy during Messi’s time there. Currently, he plays for the PSG academy.

Mateo Messi Rocuzzo, 7

Messi and Roccuzzo became parents for the second time on September 11, 2015, as the couple welcomed their son Mateo.

Messi’s middle son, Mateo
| Photo Credit:
ANTONELA ROCCUZZO INSTAGRAM

Messi was recorded saying in an interview that while Thiago is the “calm sibling”, Mateo takes after the competitive nature of his nature. In fact, after Messi and Argentina’s shocking loss to Saudi Arabia in their opening World Cup match, Messi said that Mateo left the stadium crying.

“My family suffer the same as all Argentines, but we are happy, and we get comfortable again because now our progress depends on us,” Messi said.

Ciro Messi Roccuzzo, 4

Messi and Rocuzzo welcomed their third child, Ciro on March 10, 2018.

Both Lionel and Antonela marked the birth of their youngest son by dedicating tattoos to him – While Messi got Ciro’s name and birthday inscribed on his calf, along with his brother’s names, Rocuzzo tattooed “Ciro” on her arm.

Messi’s youngest son, Ciro.
| Photo Credit:
ANTONELA ROCCUZZO INSTAGRAM

Youngest of the lot, Messi said Ciro is someone who is still developing his own personality.

In an interview with Sports Illustrated in 2018, Messi said that the birth of his three sons has been “life-changing.” He also said that outside his family, his biggest happiness would be lifting the World Cup for Argentina.

Cut to four years later, Messi went on to celebrate his first World Cup win at the Lusail Stadium in Qatar – with all three of his sons and his wife by his side.