Being related to the greatest footballer on the planet might sound like a dream. But as Lionel Messi’s nephew, Tomas Messi knows that life under the shadow of greatness can be just as complicated as it is glamorous.
In a recent interview with La Nación, Tomas — who is both Messi’s nephew and godson — spoke candidly about what it’s really like to be family to the Inter Miami star.
Once a budding footballer himself, Tomas’s career never took off, and he’s now working as a journalist in Rosario, Argentina.
Still, his bond with his famous uncle runs deep.
“Despite living abroad, he has always been very family-oriented, and we have a wonderful relationship,” Tomas said.
“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.”
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Tomas Messi: “We have suffered a lot as a family”
While Messi’s fame has brought endless joy and pride to Argentina, it’s also taken its toll on those closest to him. Tomas admitted that the spotlight hasn’t always been kind to their family.
“On the other hand, we have also suffered a lot as a family,” he said. “But we are always there for each other. He relies on us and we help him... Leo is another member of the family, and we treat him as such. He is relaxed, he is just another uncle and not a public figure or the best footballer in the world.”
The younger Messi also revealed that his uncle’s humility shines brightest away from the cameras.
Whether it’s at a barbecue or family gathering, Lionel blends in like any other relative — just one with seven Ballons d’Or and a World Cup medal in the drawer.
Tomas confessed that carrying the “Messi” surname wasn’t always easy. “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,” he shared.
But over time, he learned to embrace it, just as the world has embraced the man behind the name.
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