Messi, Vacation and Football: The Intimacy of the Family Tournament He Won Again with His Children and the Nod to the National Team

Together with Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro, along with his in-laws, Argentina’s national team captain enjoyed an event that included a tribute to the Albiceleste.

As he does every year, Lionel Messi is enjoying his vacation in Rosario before returning to the intense footballing agenda with Inter Miami. During this time, La Pulga not only shares heartfelt moments with his family but also keeps alive a tradition: the classic Copa Delfines against Lagartos.

The Argentine star shared images of this unique challenge on his social media, joined by his children Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro, who also participated in the team. In a special gesture, Messi gave his iconic number 10 shirt to his eldest son, Thiago, while he chose to wear the number 19 shirt, reminiscent of the early years of his professional career at Barcelona.

The event also featured appearances by José, Antonela Roccuzzo’s father, in a relaxed atmosphere filled with laughter. “We kick off the year with football and the classic Copa Delfines against Lagartos! Once again, Dolphin champions!!” Messi wrote, celebrating his team’s victory in a tournament that means much more to him than just a match: it is the consolidation of a family tradition.

In a gesture that did not go unnoticed, the Messi family seized the opportunity to pay homage to the Argentine national team, as they all donned light blue and white shirts, reinforcing Messi’s unbreakable bond with the country that saw him rise to glory by lifting the World Cup in Qatar 2022.

At 37 years old, Leo continues to demonstrate that there is no rest for the world’s best player, whether on the professional field or in a small family tournament in his hometown of Rosario.

What’s Next for Messi

With this family tournament as a prelude, Lionel Messi will conclude his stay in Rosario in the coming days to join Inter Miami’s preseason under new head coach, Javier Mascherano. The team will begin preparations with a friendly against Mexico’s América on January 18, before embarking on an intense season that includes the MLS, the Concachampions, and the Club World cup.

A month later, on February 14, Leo and Inter Miami will take on the Clásico del Sol against Orlando City. Then, on Tuesday the 18th, they will face Sporting Kansas City as visitors in their Concachampions debut, and on Saturday the 22nd, he will kick off the MLS season against New york City

In his return to professional football, Messi will aim to surpass the numbers from his second season with Las Garzas, where he amassed 23 goals and 13 assists in 25 matches throughout 2024. As the franchise’s top scorer (34 goals), all eyes will be on his performances in the MLS and the much-anticipated international tournament.