Thiago Messi, the eldest son of football legend Lionel Messi, made headlines after scoring an astonishing 11 goals for Inter Miami's U13 team in a youth tournament. The 12-year-old led his team to a 12-0 victory against Atlanta United in the U13 MLS tournament on February 5.
The only other goal of the match was scored by his teammate Diego Luna Jr. Wearing the iconic No. 10 jersey and playing as an attacking midfielder, Thiago showcased his exceptional talent, scoring five times in the first half before adding six more in the second.

His goals came in the 12th, 27th, 30th, 35th, 44th, 51st, 57th, 67th, 76th, 87th, and 89th minutes, demonstrating his relentless attacking instincts and finishing ability. Since joining Inter Miami's youth academy in 2023, Thiago has impressed with his dribbling, vision, and goal-scoring ability.
Thus, leading many to wonder if he will follow in his father's footsteps. His father, Lionel Messi, has previously stated that he has never pressured his son into football, allowing Thiago to pursue his passion naturally.
Before moving to the U.S., Thiago had brief stints at Barcelona's youth setup. Interestingly, just 72 hours after his birth in 2012, he was given priority to sign with Argentine club Newell's Old Boys, where Lionel Messi began his career.
Thiago's performances have sparked excitement among Inter Miami fans, who dream of seeing another Messi dominate professional football. Alongside Thiago, Benjamin Suárez, son of former Barcelona and Liverpool star Luis Suárez, is also playing for Inter Miami's youth team.
With his recent display, Thiago Messi has shown that the Messi legacy may just well continue on the football pitch. While it's too early to predict his future, his talent and composure suggest that he may become a player to watch in the coming years.