Thiago Messi to join La Masia

There is celebration in Catalonia after FC Barcelona announced the signing of Thiago Messi — but not Lionel Messi himself. The move concerns Thiago, the eldest son of Lionel Messi, who is set to enter Barcelona's famed youth academy.

Thiago will join La Masia with the aim of following the path his father once took through the club's ranks. The family connection and the Barca badge make the arrival a symbolic moment for supporters and the academy alike.

Next phase for a young prospect

According to club plans, Thiago is expected to arrive in November. Thiago is 14 years old and will join the Catalans in November, when he turns 14. The age rule for international registration has shaped the timing of the move.

Lionel Messi himself began his development at La Masia before going on to win virtually everything with Barcelona, later continuing his career at Paris Saint-Germain and then Inter Miami. Those career stages are often mentioned as the model Thiago will be measured against.

The attention on Thiago will be intense — fans and media will watch how he adapts to the academy, aware of the comparisons with his father. Lionel Messi also has two other sons with his wife Antonela Roccuzzo. This summer Lionel reached the World Cup final with Argentina, but the Gauchos failed to defend the title after being defeated by Spain (1:0) in the final.

Photo: Bryan Berlin / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)