When you think of Lionel Messi, you probably picture him lifting the World Cup in Qatar or weaving through defenders in a pink Inter Miami jersey. He’s the GOAT. The Flea. A guy who seems to exist on a different planet than the rest of us. But back in Rosario, Argentina, he’s just Leo. Specifically, he's the third child of Jorge and Celia.
So, does Messi have siblings?
Yeah, he definitely does. He’s got two older brothers and one younger sister. They aren't just background characters in his biography, either. They are the gears that keep the massive "Messi Inc." machine running smoothly while he focuses on being the best to ever play the game.
The Brothers: Rodrigo and Matías
Growing up on Calle Lavalleja, football wasn't just a hobby; it was the only thing that mattered. Lionel spent his childhood chasing after his older brothers, Rodrigo and Matías. If you ever wondered where he got that insane competitive streak, look no further than those dusty street matches in Rosario.
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Rodrigo Messi: The Right-Hand Man
Rodrigo is the eldest. If Jorge Messi is the CEO of the family business, Rodrigo is the COO. He’s been there since the beginning, even moving to Barcelona with a young Leo before the rest of the family eventually headed back to Argentina.
Honestly, Rodrigo is the one you’ll see most often in the VIP boxes. He manages Lionel’s daily schedule and handles a massive chunk of his publicity. He’s also been heavily involved with Kin Partners, a sports management firm. Basically, if there’s a big brand deal or a major interview, Rodrigo has probably vetted it first.
Matías Messi: The Brother With the Tattoo
Then there’s Matías. He’s the middle brother and, frankly, the one who makes the headlines for "non-football" reasons. He’s got a massive tattoo of Lionel’s face on his right arm, which tells you everything you need to know about his loyalty.
Matías helps run the Leo Messi Foundation, focusing on healthcare and education for kids. However, he hasn’t exactly stayed out of trouble. He’s had a few brushes with the law in Argentina, mostly involving firearm possession. Despite the controversies, the bond between the brothers is rock-solid. Matías is famously outspoken—once even making waves on a Twitch stream for saying Leo made Barcelona famous (which, let’s be real, isn't entirely wrong).
María Sol Messi: The Fashion Mogul
The youngest of the bunch is María Sol. She was just a kid when the family was split between Spain and Argentina, which was a huge emotional weight for a teenage Lionel.
She didn't follow the football path, at least not on the pitch. Instead, she’s become a powerhouse in the fashion world. She’s the Brand Manager for The Messi Store, working alongside Virginia Hilfiger (yes, Tommy’s sister).
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- She launched a bikini line called "Bikinis Río" in 2022.
- She serves as the Director of Brand Strategy for 525 Rosario, Lionel's production company.
- She’s the link between Leo’s personal style and what the brand actually puts on shelves.
In late 2025, she made news after a car accident in Miami forced her to postpone her wedding to an Inter Miami coach. Thankfully, she recovered, and the family stayed as tight-knit as ever during the ordeal.
How the Siblings Shaped the GOAT
People often forget that when 13-year-old Messi moved to Barcelona, his siblings had to make massive sacrifices. Rodrigo, Matías, and María Sol all moved to Spain initially, but the transition was brutal. They missed their friends. They missed Rosario.
Eventually, Celia took the other three back to Argentina, leaving Lionel and Jorge alone in Catalonia. That separation fueled Messi’s drive. He knew his family had been split up just so he could have a shot at greatness.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're looking to keep up with the Messi clan without falling for "fake news" or tabloid rumors, here is how to navigate the landscape:
- Follow Official Brands: For the most accurate look at what the siblings are doing, follow The Messi Store or the Leo Messi Foundation on social media. That’s where María Sol and Matías usually show their work.
- Check Verified Sources: Be wary of "leaked" quotes from the brothers. Matías often speaks his mind on platforms like Twitch, but these are often "jokes" or heat-of-the-moment comments that get blown out of proportion.
- Look at the Inner Circle: When Messi celebrates a trophy, look for the people he hugs first after Antonela and the kids. Usually, Rodrigo is right there in the thick of it.
The Messi family proves that even when you’re a global icon with eight Ballon d'Ors, you still need your big brothers to handle the paperwork and your sister to make sure you're dressed well.