Mateo is the second-born son and child of world-renowned soccer superstar Lionel Messi and his longtime partner, Antonella Roccuzzo. From an early age, Mateo showed a natural inclination toward the sport, following in the footsteps of his famous father, Lionel. By the time he was just 7 years old, there were already viral videos circulating online showing Mateo skillfully dribbling past defenders—proof that the talent in the family continues with the next generation.
Before Mateo’s arrival became public knowledge, it was Lionel’s brother, Matias, who first broke the news on Twitter, sharing the joyous moment with fans around the world. The excitement only grew when Antonella posted a heartwarming photo on Instagram the day after Mateo was born, capturing the tiny newborn gripping her finger—a tender snapshot that quickly went viral.
Interestingly, Mateo’s parents, Lionel and Antonella, have a deep-rooted connection that dates back to their childhood; they’ve actually known each other since they were only five years old. As Mateo grows up, he does so surrounded by love, legacy, and the ever-watchful presence of his proud father, Lionel, whose influence both on and off the field continues to shape the family’s journey.
When he was born, his father made the journey back from the US to Spain just so he could be there for him. It was a big move, but family came first, and being present for his son’s arrival meant everything. His father had been living in the US for a while, but once he knew the baby was coming, nothing else mattered. Coming back to Spain wasn’t just a choice—it was a promise he made to himself, to be by his son’s side from day one. And ever since then, his father has always been a steady presence in his life, showing up in ways that truly count.