Lionel Messi breaks silence on rumours about son joining Barcelona’s La Masia

Former FC Barcelona captain and club legend Lionel Messi has personally shut down the rumours that quickly spread across social media and several outlets regarding Thiago Messi’s supposed move to La Masia.

Ahead of Inter Miami’s Leagues Cup clash with Atletico San Luis, journalist Bruno Vain stopped the Argentine captain with a straightforward question: “Is Thiaguito leaving?”

Without breaking stride, Messi gave a simple but unequivocal response: “No.”

That single-word answer was enough to put an end to speculation that had gained momentum despite the absence of any official confirmation.

Thiago will remain at Inter Miami

For now, Thiago, 13, will continue his development in Inter Miami’s academy, where he has been playing as a midfielder since joining the club in 2023.

Unlike his father, Thiago is considered more of a playmaker than an attacker.

Messi himself described his eldest son’s style during an interview with Simplemente Futbol.

“He’s more thoughtful, more of an organiser, more of a midfielder.”

His progress in Inter Miami’s youth setup continues steadily, with no plans at present for a return to Barcelona.

Why the rumours gathered pace

The speculation did not emerge entirely out of nowhere.

Thiago previously spent time at the Barça Escola between 2016 and 2019 while Messi was still at Barcelona, before later joining Paris Saint-Germain’s youth academy during his father’s spell in France.

His age also fuelled comparisons with Leo’s own journey, as Thiago, who has never hidden his love for Barça. is now almost the same age Messi was when he left Rosario to begin his footballing adventure in Catalonia.

Rumour put to rest

Messi’s brief but decisive response has effectively ended the speculation.

Thiago will continue his football education at Inter Miami, focusing on his own development rather than a return to Barcelona.

This development comes days after the fifth-year anniversary of Messi’s departure from Barcelona.

On August 5, 2021, the Argentina captain bid a teary goodbye to the Blaugrana after the club could not renew his contract, bringing an end to one of the most glorious chapters in football history.

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