The prospect of Lionel Messi retiring would be horrifying for Barcelona fans, and given that the striker is already 32 years old, it’s possible that day—when the record-setting six-time Ballon d’Or winner decides to hang up his boots—is not too far off.
The Argentinean’s eldest son, Thiago, demonstrated some fine finishing skills in a friendly, in a video that has since gone viral, suggesting that there may be another Messi on the horizon, so things may not be so bad for the Catalan giants after all.
Thiago, who is just seven years old, presently competes for FCB Escola, the club’s academy for kids ages three to seven, where only the offspring of club members and staff are allowed to enroll.
In a game from December of last year, Messi’s eldest son scored a goal after latching onto a through pass and curiously used his right foot to tip it into the bottom corner rather than his left.
One glance at Thiago’s goal from the game and one can only wonder if he would eventually decide to follow in his renowned father’s footsteps. Messi Sr. has stated on numerous occasions that he would not force his children to play football.