Fans have wondered: will his children inherit his footballing genius? Today, which Messi son is the best isn’t a trivial question—it’s a topic stirring chats in backyards, football academies, and online forums. CantoKick will take you through the stories, skills, personalities, and potential of Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro, then invite you to draw your own verdict.
Messi’s three sons: who they are
Before declaring a “best,” we must know who we’re comparing. Messi and his wife Antonela Roccuzzo have three sons: Thiago (born November 2012), Mateo (born September 2015), and Ciro (born March 2018). They have been raised amidst the rhythms of training sessions, stadiums, and family life.
Thiago Messi: the eldest
As Messi’s firstborn, Thiago has had the most time to grow in the shadow—and glow—of his father. He joined Barcelona’s youth system during Messi’s time in Catalunya, and later followed into the youth ranks of Inter Miami. Observers often describe Thiago as composed, introspective, and possessing a calm footballing brain. In interviews, Messi has described him as the more “architectural” child—someone who plans, watches, and organizes.
Thiago has shown glimmers of promise in youth matches, scoring in early appearances, and showing intelligent movement rather than raw flair. However, he hasn’t yet displayed the high-risk dribbles or breathtaking bursts that make highlight reels.
Mateo Messi: the competitor
Mateo is known as the bold, fiery middle child. His father once said Mateo is “very special,” always experimenting, always grabbing attention. Messi also contrasted Thiago’s calm with Mateo’s energy, saying the younger boy is more competitive and hates losing.
As he’s younger, Mateo hasn’t played as long in structured academy settings, but he already throws himself into family matches with ferocity. Reports suggest he often challenges his father in backyard duels.
Ciro Messi: the raw spark
Ciro is the baby of the bunch and still finding his identity. He often shadows his siblings, copying movements, habits, and small gestures. Messi has mentioned that Ciro “copies Mateo a lot, and they go against me a lot.”
Yet, recent moments suggest Ciro is not just a mimic. In 2025, he stunned viewers with a solo dribble and goal during an Inter Miami youth session—collecting the ball. Many fans immediately compared it to his father’s iconic solo strike against Getafe in 2007. That display opened eyes: perhaps the youngest Messi is already carving a path of his own.
Evaluating “best”: what should we measure?
Declaring one of Messi’s sons the “best” is subjective unless we define criteria. Here are key lenses to judge:
- Technical skills & flair – dribbling, ball control, vision
- Tactical intelligence – positioning, decision-making, spatial awareness
- Work ethic & competitiveness – mental drive, discipline
- Consistency & adaptation – maintaining form across matches
- Physical development & athletic trait – speed, strength, agility
It’s unreasonable to expect full maturity from them yet—they are children. Still, early flashes in any of these areas can hint at future greatness.
Comparing the three under those lenses
| Criteria | Thiago | Mateo | Ciro |
| Technical & flair | Shows composed touches, good control, but not excessive flair | Less time in structured play yet, but shows moments of spark | That solo run-goal suggests innate dribbling capacity, willing to take risks |
| Tactical intelligence | Observes, positions well, thinks ahead | Bursts and improvises, may still develop structure | Raw instincts now; limited experience |
| Competitiveness | Quietly competitive, measured | High intensity, visible fire to win | Emerging; may lean more on joy and exploration now |
| Consistency | Has logged more steady minutes in academy settings | Fewer matches so far, fluctuating | Too early to judge consistency |
| Physical & athletic | Stronger now, may have early advantage | Still catching up with strength and speed | Youthful energy, agility, less physical maturity |
Recent developments: growth, buzz, and surprises
A few recent stories are worth noting:
- The Messi boys—Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro—have begun to make waves in the youth ranks of Inter Miami. Family posts show them winning youth tournaments in their categories.
- The viral solo goal by Ciro made headlines and showed that raw confidence can yield magic.
- Messi, in in interviews, underscores his desire for his sons to follow their own path: if football doesn’t become their calling, he accepts it.
These developments are early indicators: Ciro’s moment reminds us that talent can appear explosively. Mateo’s fiery spirit could drive breakthroughs. Thiago’s steady trajectory may offer the strongest long-term foundation.
The emotional side: personalities, mindsets, and heart
Beyond skills, football is also about heart, resilience, and mindset. Here’s a glimpse at who these boys are off the ball:
- Thiago tends to be reflective, calm, and observant. He may be the type to cultivate a cerebral style, thinking several steps ahead.
- Mateo exudes fire—he expresses emotions more openly, reacts intensely to wins and losses, and throws himself into challenges.
- Ciro is still forming, but he seems playful, raw, and unselfconscious. That freedom can breed creativity.
Messi himself has shared that fatherhood changed him. He values balance, normality, and letting his children find their own way. He disciplines them, plays with them, and wants them to live “a very normal life” when they walk through the door. The emotional ecosystem at home surely shapes who becomes “best” in the end.
So: which Messi son is the best—right now?
If we measure by structured development, consistency, and realized potential so far, Thiago is the frontrunner. His calm intelligence and steady growth offer the safest bet for long-term success.
However, if we value boldness, flashes of brilliance, and untamed creativity, Ciro’s recent dribble-and-goal suggests a wild card waiting to emerge. And Mateo remains a dark horse: full of hunger, spirit, and the kind of internal fire that can fuel breakthroughs against the odds.
So far, it is Thiago who looks like the most “complete” choice for which Messi son is the best, but this story is far.
Final Thoughts
Which Messi son is the best is a question that can’t yet be answered definitively—but it’s thrilling to watch each boy write the early chapters. Thiago leads in consistency and poise. Mateo carries the fire and hunger. Ciro brings unfiltered potential and surprise.
CantoKick will continue following their journeys. Will Thiago become the master tactician? Will Mateo fight his way into the spotlight? Will Ciro emerge as the dribbler we’ll talk about for decades? Stay tuned, come back often, and witness the legacy unfold.
