Soccer legend Lionel Messi, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner and captain of Inter Miami, is no stranger to injuries on the pitch. From ankle sprains to muscle strains during his storied career with Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, and now in MLS, the 38-year-old Argentine has battled through physical setbacks. But lately, the spotlight has shifted off the field to his three young sons – Thiago, 13; Mateo, 10; and Ciro, 7 – who have each been spotted with arm casts or slings at various points, sparking online buzz and memes about a supposed “Messi family curse.” Fans and social media users have joked about whether these incidents are part of a secret training regimen to toughen up the next generation of football prodigies or simply the result of chaotic, high-energy playtime at home. While the injuries appear minor and typical for active kids, the pattern has raised eyebrows and prompted discussions about child safety in sports families.

The phenomenon first gained traction in 2023 when multiple reports and social media posts highlighted fractures among the Messi boys. In June of that year, Messi’s youngest son, Ciro, then 5, suffered a hand fracture, as shared by fan accounts on X (formerly Twitter). A post from the verified account @WeAreMessi showed a photo of Ciro with his arm in a cast, captioned simply: “Leo Messi’s youngest son Ciro fractured his hand.” The image, depicting the boy smiling despite the injury, quickly went viral, amassing thousands of likes and comments expressing well-wishes. Sources close to the family, speaking to outlets like Hola! magazine, attributed it to a playground mishap during a family outing in Miami, where the Messis had recently relocated after Lionel’s move to Inter Miami.

Just months later, in September 2023, older brother Thiago made headlines for a similar issue. A YouTube video titled “How Thiago Messi BROKE HIS ARM?!” circulated widely, detailing how the then-10-year-old injured himself during a youth soccer match. Thiago, who plays for Inter Miami’s academy team, reportedly fell awkwardly while challenging for the ball, resulting in a fracture. TikTok clips from users like @titimatuciro_media showed Thiago competing in the Weston Cup tournament with his hand bandaged, earning praise for his resilience. “Thiago Messi Plays Despite Hand Injury at Weston Cup,” one video description read, highlighting the boy’s determination to continue playing. Inter Miami’s youth coaches confirmed the injury but noted it was non-serious, with Thiago back on the field within weeks.

Not to be outdone, middle child Mateo has also had his share of arm-related woes. While less documented than his brothers’, reports from 2024 suggest Mateo dealt with a minor arm sprain or fracture during a family vacation in Rosario, Argentina. Fan pages on Facebook, such as groups dedicated to Messi updates, shared photos of Mateo with a sling during a public appearance at a charity event. One post in a group called “Messi’s Sons Break Their Arms” humorously noted: “Messi’s three sons have broken their arms one after the other, they’re quite the handful.” Although the family has kept details private, these incidents align with the boys’ active lifestyles, often seen kicking balls around in backyard videos posted by Messi or his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, on Instagram.

The recurring theme has fueled online speculation. A Facebook group post from 2025 asked: “Why do Messi’s kids have broken arms?” with users debating if it’s a “secret football formula to become the Messis of the future” or “just absolute chaos at home.” Memes abound, with edited images of the boys in casts holding soccer balls, captioned “Messi training starts young.” Some fans point to Lionel’s own history – notably his 2018 radial bone fracture in his right arm during a Barcelona match against Sevilla, which sidelined him for three weeks and caused him to miss El Clásico. Photos from that time show Messi in a sling, watching games from the stands with young Thiago by his side, who curiously examined his father’s cast. Could this be a case of “like father, like sons”?

Medical experts weigh in on the likelihood. Pediatric orthopedists, like Dr. Elena Ramirez from Miami Children’s Hospital, explain that arm fractures are among the most common childhood injuries, especially in boys aged 5-14. “Active kids involved in sports like soccer are prone to falls and impacts,” Ramirez told Fox Sports in a 2024 interview. “The radius and ulna bones in the forearm are particularly vulnerable during growth spurts.” Statistics from the American Academy of Pediatrics support this: Over 3.5 million children in the U.S. alone seek treatment for sports-related injuries annually, with fractures accounting for about 20%. In soccer-heavy households like the Messis’, where the boys train regularly at Inter Miami’s facilities, the risk increases. Thiago, in particular, has shown promise, scoring goals in youth tournaments and drawing comparisons to his father’s early days at La Masia.

The Messi family’s move to Miami in July 2023 amplified public interest. With Lionel leading Inter Miami to back-to-back MLS Cups in 2024 and 2025, the spotlight on his personal life intensified. Paparazzi photos often capture the boys at DRV PNK Stadium or local parks, engaging in impromptu games. Antonela, a social media influencer with over 35 million Instagram followers, occasionally shares glimpses: A 2025 post showed Ciro with a temporary cast after a bike fall, captioned “My little warrior 💪.” Such transparency has endeared the family to fans but also invited scrutiny. Critics on platforms like Reddit argue that the injuries might stem from overzealous training, with one r/soccer thread titled “Messi’s Kids and the Arm Break Epidemic” debating if parental pressure plays a role.

Lionel himself has addressed child injuries indirectly. In a 2025 podcast with Apple TV’s “Messi’s World Cup: The Rise of a Legend,” he discussed balancing fatherhood with fame: “My boys love football, but I want them to enjoy it without pressure. Injuries happen – I’ve had plenty.” He emphasized safety, noting the family employs trainers and uses protective gear during play. Inter Miami’s youth program, under academy director David Ruiz, prioritizes injury prevention, with protocols including strength training and rest days. “We monitor all players closely, especially those with high profiles,” Ruiz said in a club statement.

Beyond the physical, the incidents highlight the challenges of raising kids in the public eye. The Messis, who married in 2017 after a long relationship, have strived for normalcy. Thiago, born in 2012, Mateo in 2015, and Ciro in 2018, attend a private school in Fort Lauderdale and participate in community events. Yet, their father’s status as arguably the greatest footballer ever – with 45 trophies, including the 2022 World Cup – casts a long shadow. Fans recall heartwarming moments, like Mateo mimicking his dad’s celebrations or Thiago joining warm-ups. But the arm injuries add a layer of relatability: Even billionaires’ kids tumble and break bones.

Social media has turned the pattern into a lighthearted narrative. TikTok videos compile “Messi Kids Injury Montages,” set to dramatic music, while X users post theories like “The Messi arm curse: Inherited toughness?” A 2025 viral thread on @BarcaTimes speculated genetic factors, though experts dismiss this, attributing it to coincidence and activity levels. Pediatrician Dr. Mark Halstead, in a Sports Illustrated piece, noted: “Families with multiple boys often see repeat injuries – it’s statistics, not a jinx.”

The boys’ resilience shines through. Thiago, despite his 2023 fracture, helped his team win the Weston Cup, earning MVP honors. Mateo, known for his energetic personality, appeared in a 2024 family video dancing with a sling, unfazed. Ciro, the youngest, has been seen riding scooters post-recovery, embodying the family’s motto of perseverance. Lionel and Antonela promote healthy habits, with home gyms and nutrition plans tailored for growing athletes.

As Messi nears retirement, speculation grows about his sons’ futures. Thiago has expressed interest in professional soccer, training with Inter Miami’s U-13 squad. But the injuries serve as a reminder of risks. Youth sports organizations like FIFA’s grassroots programs advocate for balanced development, warning against early specialization.

In the end, the “broken arm saga” is likely just boys being boys in a football-obsessed household. No evidence suggests deliberate toughening; instead, it’s the byproduct of joy and activity. Fans continue to send well-wishes, with Messi’s Instagram flooded with comments like “Protect those little arms!” As the family enjoys Miami life – beaches, games, and occasional Disney trips – the world watches, hoping the next cast is just a costume.

Lionel Messi’s legacy extends beyond goals; it’s in raising grounded kids amid chaos. Whether future Messis emerge remains unseen, but for now, the arm injuries add a human touch to a superhuman story.