Fans Cast Verdict on Thiago Messi as Footage From Inter Miami U13s Emerges

Supporters hoping to catch a glimpse of the next great talent in Lionel Messi’s bloodline have already made up their minds about Thiago Messi, as footage of the Barcelona and Argentina legend’s son has gone viral this week. Though not yet retired, it’s clear Messi is past his peak playing days – having claimed a record eight Ballon d’Or mantles and finally filling the last gap in his trophy cabinet with a World Cup in 2022.

For that reason, he’s widely regarded as the greatest footballer of all time. But with his 38th birthday just around the corner, and now plying his trade far from Europe’s elite with Inter Miami, it feels like his time under the global spotlight is gradually dimming. Naturally, then, the search for the beautiful game’s next brightest star is heating up.

Lamine Yamal is already turning heads and is among the frontrunners for this year’s Ballon d’Or, but there’s always a yearning -especially from the younger generation – for another Messi era. So, it’s no surprise that there’s a growing aura of reverence around his eldest son, Thiago. And judging by a recent highlight reel, there may be every reason to believe the Messi magic runs in the family.

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Cristiano Ronaldo’s eldest son, Cristiano dos Santos, made his Portuguese youth team debut just last week and caught the eye of his many admirers, as 10 clubs sent scouts to keep tabs on him and file a report. But in typical Messi vs Ronaldo fashion, just as many online users were quick to compare him to Messi’s son’s performance.

Thiago, just 12-and-a-half years old, scored 11 goals in an under-13s match recently, but it’s his all-around play that has sparked the intrigue of many. See his resurfaced match highlights from back in February below:

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There’s clearly room for comparison to his father in the way he shifts the ball, maintains a low centre of gravity, and seems to have it glued to his feet as he dances and body-feints past opponents. This is a sentiment many online were quick to echo, as one X user commented: “Thiago Messi plays like a La Masia central midfielder. Sign him,” while a second remarked:

A third piece of praise continued: “I see Kaka,” and a fourth wrote: “Pedri regen.” Elsewhere, a fifth X user concluded: “This kid has insane fitness. He constantly receives the ball from deep and beats his man with ease, that takes some energy. I see glimpses of Thiago Alcantara.”