Lionel Messi’s nephew makes sad nine-word admission about Inter Miami star

Lionel Messi is one of the most famous sports stars in the world and someone close to him has now opened up on what the Argentina icon is really like behind closed doors

Lionel Messi’s nephew and godson Tomas has provided a fascinating glimpse into the life of the Inter Miami icon, but claimed: “We have also suffered a lot as a family.”

Despite trying to emulate his uncle’s football career, Tomas didn’t make the grade and has since carved out a career in journalism. He runs his own streaming platform in Rosario, Argentina, where he recently sat down for an interview with his world-famous relative.

In a chat with LA NACION, Tomas opened up about his bond with the former Barcelona icon. He discussed Messi’s potential involvement in next year’s World Cup across the United States, Canada and Mexico, alongside his uncle’s retirement plans from professional football.

He also revealed what the 2022 World Cup winner is genuinely like away from the spotlight and confessed how the superstar and his loved ones can find intrusive press coverage challenging.

Speaking about Messi’s devotion to family, Tomas said: “Despite living abroad, he has always been very family-oriented, and we have a wonderful relationship. He makes sure to check in on you, we visit him whenever we can, and he also comes when he can, especially during the holidays and when the national team plays in Argentina.”

The 38-year-old recently featured in what might have been his final appearance for his country on Argentine soil, a World Cup qualifier against Venezuela at River Plate’s Estadio Monumental. Tomas confessed the moment was an emotional one for the Messi family.

“Everything that has happened in recent years has been pure joy,” he added. “We always support him. Now we are a little sad after the last official match. It’s the final stretch, as everyone says, and we never want it to end, but the truth is that what he is experiencing is beautiful.”

Messi’s fame and the attention it brings have taken a toll on him and his family. “On the other hand, we have also suffered a lot as a family,” Tomas continued.

“But we are always there for each other. He relies on us and we help him… Leo is another member of the family, and we treat him as such. He is relaxed, he is just another uncle and not a public figure or the best footballer in the world.”

Speculation about Messi’s involvement in next year’s World Cup has been rife. However, according to Tomas, Messi “doesn’t say anything” about it. While the family would love to see the Miami star continue playing, Messi will “decide when the time comes.”

Despite Messi’s global fame, it’s hard to imagine him in a typical family setting, casually chatting over drinks at a barbecue. But Tomas assures that’s exactly how they spend their family gatherings.

“It’s not easy to get together because there are so many of us and we live far apart,” he said. “My uncle Rodrigo lives in Barcelona, my aunt María Sol lives in Miami, Leo too, and my dad, Matías, stayed in Rosario. When we get together, everyone has a job: someone is in charge of the barbecue, someone else is in charge of the snacks. We’re well organised (laughs). We have a great time together.”

Tomas’ own footballing ambitions never quite took off due to various factors, with injury being the main culprit, but Messi was on hand for his nephew whenever he needed. “He always supported me,” Tomas said.

“Asked me what I needed, and gave me advice from time to time. He’s there for me. And when I quit, he didn’t say anything; we just jumped straight into talking about streaming, which he also likes.”

Tomas also revealed how carrying the Messi surname often felt like a weight on his shoulders, though he eventually learned to cope with the pressure. He continued: “At the time, my surname affected me.

“I felt it was a burden because it seemed like I had to be just like my uncle. It wasn’t easy. And when I started playing again, that weight didn’t influence me as much… I didn’t care what people thought or said.”

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