Thiago Messi shines in debut at Argentina youth tournament

In Argentina, Thiago Messi, the eldest son of football superstar Lionel Messi, recently made his much-anticipated debut at the Newell's Cup tournament in Rosario. This event, which took place in the countryside city, is a traditional under-13 competition that showcases young footballing talent from across the Americas. Thiago, donning the No. 10 jersey of an Inter Miami youth team, competed against the local team Newell's Old Boys, the very club where his father began his football career. The match, played on Monday, resulted in a narrow loss for Thiago's team, ending with a score of 1-0. The tournament captivates local and international attention alike, drawing eight teams, highlighting the vast interest in youth football within the region. Thiago, aged 12, was substituted in the second half, contributing to the team's efforts alongside his friend Benjamín Suárez, son of notable Uruguayan striker Luis Suárez. Both boys share a close bond through their fathers, who played together at Barcelona before joining Inter Miami. The presence of family supports was significant for Thiago during this pivotal moment in his sporting journey. His mother, Antonela Roccuzzo, along with his grandparents, Jorge Messi and Celia Cuccittini, were present in the stands to cheer him on, although his father could not attend due to other commitments. The absence of Lionel Messi, a globally recognized figure, was noted, but Thiago's performance was celebrated within his family and amongst the attending supporters. His participation in this tournament marks the beginning of a new chapter in the Messi legacy, forging his own path in the world of football. Thiago's debut is particularly symbolic as it echoes his father's early days in football. Lionel Messi's roots at Newell's Old Boys played a critical role in shaping his illustrious career, and now his son is making his first steps on a similar path. This moment not only underscores the importance of family ties in sports but also highlights the emerging talent in youth football in Argentina, reinforcing the country's rich footballing culture. As the tournament continues, Thiago and his teammates look forward to more opportunities to develop their skills and potentially make their mark in the future of the sport.