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Thiago Messi, the 12-year-old son of football legend Lionel Messi, is starting to follow in his father's footsteps, making his own mark in the world of football. Thiago recently played for Inter Miami's under-13 team in the prestigious Newell’s Cup, held in Rosario, Argentina, on Monday. In an iconic moment, he wore the same number 10 shirt that his father made famous throughout his career. The Newell’s Cup, now in its 10th edition, features eight youth teams from North and South America competing over the course of five days. This tournament holds special significance for Lionel Messi, as it takes place in his birthplace of Rosario, where Messi Sr. spent his formative years playing for Newell’s Old Boys before joining Barcelona's La Masia youth academy at the age of 13. The connection to his father's legacy is undeniable, and Thiago’s involvement in the competition highlights the continuation of that legacy.
Although Lionel Messi was not physically present at the tournament to watch his son, a banner with the image of the elder Messi celebrating his 2022 World Cup victory was displayed, symbolizing his presence in spirit. Thiago’s mother, Antonela Roccuzzo, and his grandparents, Jorge and Celia Messi, were in attendance to cheer him on from the stands. Despite the emotional moment, Inter Miami’s under-13 team lost the match 1-0 to host team Newell’s Old Boys. Thiago's participation in this prestigious youth tournament is a significant step in his football journey, but it also serves as a reminder of the massive expectations placed on him, given his father's immense success in the sport.
Thiago was not alone in this football journey, as he was joined by Benjamin Suarez, the son of Inter Miami striker Luis Suarez, who also featured in the match. The presence of these young football prodigies adds an extra layer of excitement to the event, as both families are football royalty. Thiago’s performance in the Newell’s Cup is just the beginning of what could be a bright future in the sport, as he continues to develop his skills. With the support of his family and the legacy of his father behind him, Thiago will undoubtedly face high expectations as he progresses in his career. Inter Miami's under-13 team will return to action on Tuesday in a match against Uruguayan club Penarol 91, providing another opportunity for Thiago to showcase his talents and potentially build on his growing reputation.
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