Thiago Messi Makes Football Debut in Newell's Cup Tournament
Thiago Messi, aged 12, marked his foray into football at the distinguished "Newell's Cup" tournament held in the rural city of Rosario. Son of the renowned Argentina star, Lionel Messi, Thiago donned the Number 10 jersey of the Inter Miami youth team. Unfortunately, the team suffered a 1-0 defeat to Newell's Old Boys in this traditional under-13 competition on Monday. A subsequent match was played on Tuesday.
Lionel Messi, a celebrated football figure, commenced his journey as a professional athlete at the Argentinian club in Rosario, which is located 300 kilometers northwest of capital Buenos Aires. On hand to witness Thiago's debut match were his mother, Antonela Roccuzzo, grandparents Jorge Messi and Celia Cuccittini, along with several other family members. Notably absent was Lionel Messi himself.
Thiago's friend Benjamín Suárez, son of Uruguayan striker Luis Suárez, and Messi's teammate and close friend at Inter Miami, also participated in the game. Thiago was substitued in the game's second half. Following Inter Miami CF's premature exit from the MLS playoffs, Messi and Suárez found themselves in Rosario and even attended a friendly game of Inter Miami's U13 team against Unión at the same sports complex on Sunday.
The club announced former Barcelona teammates Messi and Suárez would have a new coach for the 2025 MLS season. Javier Mascherano will be assuming the role left by Gerardo Martino, who stepped down the previous week.
The youth tournament in Argentina is a significant event, drawing together eight teams from across North and South America.
