The online soccer community was recently buzzed with the sighting of Thiago Messi, the eldest son of the legendary Lionel Messi, taking the field for the Under-12 squad for the Inter Miami academy.
The news quickly became a magnet for online trolls, who wasted no time in poking fun at the 10-year-old. Social media was awash with comparisons between Thiago Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo Jr., the eldest son of Cristiano Ronaldo.
Additionally, some trolls took an entirely different route, likening Thiago’s appearance to that of the beloved “slab head,” Manchester United’s Harry Maguire.
Thiago Messi has started his Inter Miami academy journey with the U12s 📈
(via @InterMiamiAcad) pic.twitter.com/WNI1weDMIN
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) September 14, 2023
The uncanny resemblance in facial features between the Manchester United center-back and young Thiago Messi gave rise to a slew of comical comments, such as “looks like Harry Maguire,” “We found our new slab head,” and “Manchester United should sign Thiago Messi to replace Maguire.”
Having relocated to Miami alongside his father earlier this summer, the 10-year-old took a few months before officially joining the Inter Miami academy.
Lionel Messi has already left an indelible mark with the senior squad, amassing an impressive record of 11 goals and five assists in just 11 matches. All eyes are now firmly fixed on the young Thiago to see if he can replicate his father’s remarkable form at the junior levels.
Whatever the future holds, one thing is for certain: the witty humor of internet trolls is bound to persist. It’s entirely possible that Thiago Messi could become the latest sensation in the world of soccer memes, offering ample entertainment for the online soccer community.
Lionel Messi was spotted in the stands watching Thiago play for Inter Miami
In a noteworthy reversal of roles, the iconic Lionel Messi found himself in the spectator stands, eagerly watching his eldest son, Thiago Messi, take the field for the Inter Miami academy’s Under-12 side. Video footage available on YouTube captured the scene, showing Messi reclining in his seat as he patiently awaited his son’s performance.
Thiago’s journey to the Inter Miami academy was facilitated by his lack of prior club affiliations, making it a straightforward choice to join the academy of the club where his father is currently plying his trade.
The Inter Miami Academy has gained recognition for nurturing emerging talents, with notable examples including David Beckham‘s son, Romeo Beckham, and the offspring of former manager Phil Neville, Harvey Neville, all having been part of the academy at various stages.
The Inter Miami academy program has demonstrated its success by consistently fostering homegrown talents, with six such players making their way into the first team, including Benjamin Cremaschi.
As young Thiago Messi continues to showcase his skills at different stages within the academy, it will undoubtedly pique the interest of soccer enthusiasts, who eagerly anticipate witnessing his progress.
Furthermore, there is a palpable curiosity regarding the potential surge in attendance at academy games, as they offer a rare opportunity for fans to catch a glimpse of Lionel Messi in the stands, a departure from his usual presence on the soccer field for Inter Miami.