The Messi Family Still Love Barcelona! Leo & Antonela Celebrate Son Thiago’s Birthday With A Blaugrana-Themed Party

Even though Lionel Messi now thrills fans in Miami, his heart clearly still beats for Barcelona. The Argentine legend and his wife Antonela Roccuzzo threw a spectacular FC Barcelona-themed party for their eldest son Thiago’s 13th birthday — complete with the club’s iconic Blaugrana colours, a Camp Nou-shaped cake, and the famous “Mes Que un Club” motto proudly displayed.

A Birthday Steeped In Barca Spirit

Photos and videos shared by Antonela on social media showed the family surrounded by vibrant Barcelona decor — a sea of red and blue balloons, a giant club crest, and even a backdrop of Camp Nou. Thiago, wearing Barca’s 2024/25 third kit with his name and age printed on the back, grinned as his parents captioned the moment:

“How wonderful it is to celebrate you, Thiagui! We love you so, so much.”

For fans, it was more than just a birthday — it was a reminder that the Messi family’s bond with Barcelona remains unbreakable, even three years after Leo’s emotional exit from the club.

 

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A post shared by Antonela Roccuzzo (@antonelaroccuzzo)

Barcelona: More Than A Club, More Than A Memory

Messi’s relationship with FC Barcelona runs deeper than football. From joining La Masia at 13 — the same age Thiago just turned — to lifting countless trophies, including the 2009 Sextuple, his journey defined an era of global football.

His records still stand tall: 672 goals, 778 appearances, and six Ballons d’Or during his time in Catalonia. But beyond the numbers, Messi represented Barcelona’s core — humility, artistry, and loyalty.

Even after leaving in 2021 due to financial struggles, Messi has never hidden his affection for the club and the city that gave him everything. The birthday celebration only reinforced that connection — a nod to where it all began.

Thiago Messi: Carrying The Torch

Born in Barcelona on November 2, 2012, Thiago has spent much of his life steeped in the world of football. He trained briefly with Barca’s youth academy before joining PSG’s setup when the family moved to Paris, and now shines at Inter Miami’s U-13 side.

Despite growing up in different countries, Thiago’s heart still leans toward the Blaugrana. He has even mentioned his admiration for Lamine Yamal and dreams of one day playing alongside the teenage sensation — a sweet echo of his father’s legacy.

But for Messi, the focus remains on joy, not pressure. He’s repeatedly said he doesn’t want to force his sons into football — yet gestures like this party show how much Barcelona remains a part of their family identity.

A Party Full Of Love And Legacy

The Messi family’s celebration wasn’t just a party — it was a tribute. A reminder that no matter where they live or play, Barcelona will always be home.

BY ADELU PRAISE DEBORAH 

For Borah Omary Ndanyungu, betPawa’s Head of Local Marketing & CSR, the choice of Afro-pop sensation Tekno as the brand’s new ambassador was clear. “Tekno represents everything we stand for — energy, creativity, and breaking boundaries. His music inspires millions, just as football does. That’s why he’s the perfect face of betPawa,” Borah explained at the unveiling in Lagos.

The decision reflects betPawa’s strategy of blending sport, music, and culture to connect with Nigeria’s vibrant youth market. Coming just days after the brand invested ₦494 million in the Nigeria National League (NNL) through its Locker Room Bonus initiative, Tekno’s unveiling underscores the company’s twin approach of empowering players on the pitch while engaging fans off it.

Music meets mission

Tekno, famous for hits like Pana and Skeletun, said the collaboration felt natural. “From the studio to the stage, I’ve always been about breaking limits. That’s why betPawa felt like family. They’re creating opportunities, celebrating winners, and pushing boundaries in their own space. Together, we’ll keep inspiring Nigerians,” he said.

The company believes Tekno’s influence goes beyond entertainment. His wide appeal mirrors the unifying power of football, which is why betPawa sees him as the right figure to front campaigns that blend music, lifestyle, and sport.

Beyond gaming

For betPawa, Tekno’s unveiling is part of a broader push to define itself not just as a gaming operator but as a lifestyle brand. With its Locker Room Bonus reshaping football motivation in the NNL — giving ₦56,000 direct payments per winning player and ₦1.288m per team per victory — and Tekno’s appointment amplifying cultural reach, the brand is building strong links to communities across Nigeria.

From its 1,250% sports win bonus, the highest in Africa, to its ongoing grassroots initiatives, betPawa has carved a niche as a driver of empowerment. Adding Tekno strengthens that vision, ensuring the brand connects with music fans, football lovers, and youth eager for inspiration.

As the NNL gears up for its November kickoff and Tekno readies fresh music, the partnership is set to fuel a new wave of campaigns that celebrate ambition, creativity, and winning. For betPawa, the message is clear: Tekno is not just an ambassador, but a cultural symbol of everything the brand aspires to represent.

By Abdul Noah Ocholi | Sports Market International

FIFA Has Announced A Groundbreaking Expansion Of Its Club Benefits Programme (CBP), Introducing Direct Compensation For Clubs That Release Players For World Cup Qualifying Matches. This Marks The First Time In History That Clubs Will Receive Payments For Player Participation In Qualifiers, Even If Their National Team Fails To Reach The Finals.

$355 Million Solidarity Fund Boost

Beginning With The 2026 World Cup Cycle, FIFA Has Allocated An Estimated $355 Million (Approximately €300 Million) To Support Clubs Globally. This Represents Nearly A 70 Percent Increase Compared To The Previous Edition, Demonstrating FIFA’s Commitment To Strengthening The Relationship Between Club And International Football.

Wider Reach And Fairer Distribution

For The First Time Since Its Inception, The CBP Will Now Extend Beyond The Finals. Any Club Releasing A Player For A FIFA World Cup Qualifier Will Be Compensated, Regardless Of Whether The Player Ultimately Competes In The Tournament Proper.

FIFA Stated, “This New Approach Means That Any Club Releasing A Player For A FIFA World Cup 26 Qualifying Match Will Now Be Directly Compensated. This Is An Additional Step Towards Increasing Solidarity And Promoting A Fairer And More Inclusive Redistribution Within Global Club Football.”

FIFA And ECA Partnership

This Enhanced CBP Stems From A Landmark Agreement Between FIFA And The European Club Association (ECA), Signed In 2023. Both Bodies Have Worked Closely To Ensure That More Clubs Benefit Financially From Their Players’ International Duties.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino Emphasized, “The Enhanced Edition Of The FIFA Club Benefits Programme For The 2026 World Cup Takes A Significant Step Forward By Financially Recognizing The Immense Contribution That So Many Clubs And Their Players Make To The Realization Of Both The Qualifying Stages And The Final Tournament.”

ECA Chairman Nasser Al-Khelaifi Echoed The Sentiment, Adding, “We Are Pleased To Have Collaborated With FIFA In Developing This New Program, Which Will Ensure That Even More Clubs Worldwide Are Rewarded For Releasing Players, Supporting The Continued Growth Of Club Football Globally.”

What This Means For Sports Marketing

For Clubs, This Policy Shift Not Only Eases The Financial Burden Of Player Release But Also Strengthens Their Role In The Global Football Ecosystem. From A Sports Marketing Perspective, The Expansion Of The CBP Enhances Sponsorship Value, Increases Visibility For Clubs Across All Continents, And Reinforces The Economic Importance Of Grassroots Development.

With More Clubs Benefiting From FIFA Compensation, Smaller Teams Can Invest More Strategically In Player Development, Branding, And Fan Engagement — Creating A Healthier, More Balanced Football Industry Worldwide.

Sports Market International Insight: FIFA’s New Club Benefits Programme Expansion For The 2026 World Cup Sets A New Standard For Global Solidarity And Opens Fresh Opportunities For Clubs To Leverage Financial Recognition Into Marketing And Commercial Growth.