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On the very weekend Lionel Messi and Inter Miami clinched the second seed in the Eastern Conference for the 2026 MLS Cup playoffs, his youngest son Ciro guided the Herons' U–10 squad to a championship with a stunning display.
The eight-year-old netted twice as Miami's U–10 team claimed the Legends Cup with a commanding 10–3 win over Athletum FC. The squad, which also features Luis Suárez's son Lauti, went through the tournament unbeaten, taking all four matches with a combined score of 26–5.
However, it was Ciro's showing in the final that grabbed the spotlight, particularly for a goal that bore a striking resemblance to the countless strikes his father has delivered throughout his legendary career.
¡Doblete de Ciro! ⚡️⚡️
💪 Nuestro equipo U10, más cerca del título de Legends Cup. pic.twitter.com/BR6QKYaqI9
The youngest of the Messi children collected the ball at the edge of the penalty area with two defenders closing in, but a rapid inside cut gave him just enough room to curl a left-footed effort into the far corner.
"None of them came out lefty. Ciro is also right footed," Messi said about his three sons back in 2019. The fact that Ciro's finish came off his weaker foot makes the moment all the more remarkable.
It marks the third trophy Ciro has lifted with Miami's youth setup this year, following victories in the Adidas Champions Cup and the Dreams Cup earlier in the spring with the Herons' U–8 side. He was awarded tournament MVP honors in the latter competition.
But Ciro wasn't the only Messi family member to lift the Legends Cup. Messi's middle son, Mateo, also claimed the tournament with Miami's U–12 team, chipping in with a goal of his own in the final.
Thiago, Mateo, Ciro: Messi's Three Sons Chasing Professional Dream
All three of Messi's sons — Thiago (14), Mateo (11), and Ciro (8) — are following in their father's footsteps and currently play within Miami's academy system. The trio has collectively won multiple titles in recent years.
Over the summer, Messi dismissed any prospect of his eldest son Thiago — who also trained at Barcelona and PSG during his early years — making a move to Barcelona's La Masia. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner made clear the now 14-year-old would continue his development in Miami. The speculation largely arose from Thiago approaching the same age Messi was (13) when he departed Argentina to join Barcelona's renowned academy.
Regardless, with all three boys actively playing and making their mark, the family's next generation is laying the groundwork for Messi's legacy to live on. According to Messi himself, however, his three sons are very distinct players.
"Thiago is more of a thinker," Messi shared. "More of an organizer, more of a midfielder. Yes, [Mateo] is more of a striker; he likes to score and stay close to goal. He's got a high football intelligence. Ciro is more explosive, more of a dribbler who enjoys taking on opponents one-on-one. He likes to create his own opportunities."
Messi has previously spoken about his regret over neglecting his education, particularly never learning English, and has said he doesn't want his sons to repeat those same mistakes. For now, though, the three Messi boys appear driven by the ambition of one day reaching the professional stage.