Sao Viet

Lionel Messi’s nephew shared that behind the football field’s glory, the Argentine superstar is a simple, warm uncle and family member.

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by

Binh
in

Lionel Messi’s nephew and godson Tomas has spoken openly about his relationship with the Inter Miami superstar and what it’s like to be related to a football legend

Tomas and Lionel Messi pose in Argentina shirts

Tomas Messi has opened up on life with Lionel

Lionel Messi’s nephew and godson Tomas has provided a fascinating glimpse into the Inter Miami superstar’s private life. Despite attempting to emulate his uncle’s footballing career, Tomas didn’t make the grade and now works as a journalist.

He runs his own streaming platform in Rosario, Argentina, where he recently sat down with his world-famous relative. In a chat with LA NACION, Tomas opened up about his bond with the former Barcelona icon.
He discussed Messi’s potential involvement in next year’s World Cup across the United States, Canada and Mexico, alongside his uncle’s retirement plans. He also revealed what the World Cup winner is genuinely like away from the spotlight and confessed how the superstar and his loved ones can find intrusive media coverage challenging.

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Speaking about Messi’s family-focused nature, Tomas said: “Despite living abroad, he has always been very family-oriented, and we have a wonderful relationship. He makes sure to check in on you, we visit him whenever we can, and he also comes when he can, especially during the holidays and when the national team plays in Argentina.”

Messi, 38, recently featured in what might have been his final appearance for his country on home turf, a World Cup qualifier for Argentina against Venezuela, staged at River Plate’s Estadio Monumental stadium.

 

Tomas confessed the moment was an emotional one for the Messi family. “Everything that has happened in recent years has been pure joy,” he added.

“My uncle Rodrigo lives in Barcelona, my aunt María Sol lives in Miami, Leo too, and my dad, Matías, stayed in Rosario. When we get together, everyone has a job: someone is in charge of the barbecue, someone else is in charge of the snacks. We’re well organised (laughs). We have a great time together.”

Argentine soccer player Lionel Messi and his family sit in the stands

Messi is said to be a family-oriented person(Image: 2025 Leonardo Fernandez)

Tomas’ own footballing career never took off due to several factors. Injury was the main culprit, but Messi was always on hand to offer comfort to his nephew.

“He always supported me,” Tomas said. “Asked me what I needed, and gave me advice from time to time. He’s there for me. And when I quit, he didn’t say anything; we just jumped straight into talking about streaming, which he also likes.”

Tomas also revealed how carrying the Messi surname on his shirt often felt like a huge weight on his shoulders. But it was something he eventually learnt to cope with.

He added: “At the time, my surname affected me. I felt it was a burden because it seemed like I had to be just like my uncle. It wasn’t easy. And when I started playing again, that weight didn’t influence me as much… I didn’t care what people thought or said.”