Football great Lionel Messi's eldest son, Thiago, has forced the world to take note of his talent with a spectacular performance in the U-13 Major League Soccer tournament. (More Football News)
Thiago scored an astonishing 11 goals in Inter Miami's 12-0 rout of Atlanta in the U1-3 competition in the United States. Donning the iconic number 10 jersey that his father also wears, the 11-year-old single-handedly took his side to a stunning win.
Thiago opened the scoring in just the 12th minute before finding the net four more times before the break. After striking five times in the first half, the 11-year-old beat the opposition goalkeeper six more times after the break to finish with 11 goals in a memorable outing. He scored nine goals before his teammate Diego Luna Jr became the only other person to register himself on the scoresheet. Thiago struck twice after Luna Jr's goal.
Thiago, who joined Inter Miami's age group side just month's after his father joined the MLS, has grabbed worldwide attention with his performance. Even before his goal-scoring spree, Thiago had captured attention on the Internet with videos of him showing off his dribbling skills.
Thiago's skills at the youth levels have already triggered the inevitable comparisons with his father who is regarded as the greatest football of all time by many. "We cannot predict whether Thiago Messi will reach the same heights as Leo Messi. However, one thing is certain: he is following in his father's footsteps and demonstrating the same ambition," Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo stated. "Despite his young age, the son of the Argentine superstar exhibits remarkable skill on the field. While he still has much to learn at the youth level, his development at Inter Miami Academy is generating significant excitement among club fans and those who admire Lionel Messi himself. "
