Like father like son – Following in his famous father’s footsteps, Thiago Messi has signed with Inter Miami’s U12 academy squad to compete in the Florida Academy League.

Thiago Messi, Lionel Messi’s son, has joined Inter Miami’s youth academy and will play for the club’s U12 team. Thiago is 10 years old.

The kid is eager to build a nаme for himself in the sport as his great dad did. While his father continues to leave an indelible mark on the first team, he will continue his adventure as a member of Inter Miami’s youth setup.Thiago’s addition to the roster was announced on the club’s website, in contrast to the lavish celebration and broadcast spectacle that accompanied Lionel Messi’s entrance at Inter Miami. The club’s introduction of Leo was shown live on Apple TV as a primetime event titled “Bienvenido, Messi.”

As advised by Diego Garcia, Thiago Messi has agreed to join the club pending the issuance of a work visa. Inter Miami’s youth academy has produced stars like Romeo Beckham and Harvey Neville, the sons of David and Phil Neville, respectively.The Inter Miami CF Academy has been hard at work in preseason since the first of the month, laying the groundwork for an exciting season to come. For the upcoming season, all of the youth teams, from U9 all the way up to U17, will continue to compete in MLS NEXT.

In the Florida Academy League, the U-12 squad will continue to compete. United Premier Soccer League (UPSL) play will continue for the U-19 team as they aim to become serious title contenders in the Florida South Premiere Conference.

Inter Miami Academy has come a long way since it opened in September 2019. Homegrown contracts have been signed by six academy players: Edison Azcona, Benjamin Cremaschi, Ian Fray, David Ruiz, Noah Allen, and Felipe Valencia.Notably, five of them debuted in MLS during the 2023 season, making a significant impact on the team’s success. Their combined efforts were crucial in the 2023 Leagues Cup victory of the First Team, the club’s first official championship.

Victor Pastora, the academy’s director, reflected on the institution’s achievements: “Following our tremendously successful 2022-23 season, we enthusiastically expect another spectacular year. Our competitive players, their supportive families, and our hardworking staff members are always welcomed with open arms.

Our goal in creating this academy was to give young players in South Florida the tools they need to realize their dreams. In gratitude for this opportunity, we pledge to make the most of every day.Pastora elaborated, “Our focus extends to establishing collaborations with partnering clubs and fostering relationships with every youth program around South Florida. We owe a debt of gratitude to our owners and sporting director for their constant backing, which has given us a fantastic opportunity to accomplish our dreams.

Pastora has been a coach for almost 25 years, both at the amateur and professional levels. He has worked in a number of coaching and technical capacities. In the 2022 MLS Next National Championship, he captained the Academy’s U-15 squad to victory. In addition to Thiago Messi, Inter Miami’s U12 squad is welcoming nine new players, including a slew of young prospects.