He already has his own goals! Lionel Messi's 20-month-old son Thiago shows off football skills on Italian beach

By Ryan Smith

Little Thiago Messi may only be 20 months old, but he's already showing a desire to join the family business.

The adorable tot, son of Argentinian football ace Lionel Messi, was cheered on by a gathering of family members as he kicked a colourful ball around the beach during his Italian vacation.

Wearing a broad smile and a pair of printed shorts, Thiago appeared to be in his element as he showed off his skills on the sandy shores of Sabaudia, Lazio, on Thursday.

Goal! Lionel Messi's 20-month-old son Thiago is cheered on by family members as he plays football in Sabaudia, Lazio, Italy, on Thursday

Goal! Lionel Messi's 20-month-old son Thiago is cheered on by family members as he plays football in Sabaudia, Lazio, Italy, on Thursday

Sticking his tongue out and playfully raising his arms in the air, Thiago kept impressive control of the ball as he lapped up the attention from his team of supporters.

 

The impromptu solo display came after the family were seen disembarking from a luxury yacht, which they have been using as they enjoy a relaxing summer vacation in Italy.

Thiago was seen being carried his dad, as well as his glamorous mother, Antonella Roccuzzo.

Like father, like son: Thiago is already showing early signs of joining the family business

Like father, like son: Thiago is already showing early signs of joining the family business

Skills: The adorable tot appears to be in his element as he kicks the ball around the sandy shores
Skills: The adorable tot appears to be in his element as he kicks the ball around the sandy shores

Skills: The adorable tot appears to be in his element as he kicks the ball around the sandy shores

He's a winner! Thiago soaks up the support from family members as he shows them his footballing abilities
He's a winner! Thiago soaks up the support from family members as he shows them his footballing abilities

He's a winner! Thiago soaks up the support from family members as he shows them his footballing abilities

While Lionel, 27, kept his look casual in a pair of jeans and printed white t-shirt, 26-year-old Antonella wowed in a white lacy playsuit, which she wore over her bikini.

The brunette beauty teamed her stunning outfit with a wide-brimmed hat and a pair of bejewelled flat sandals, as she added a splash of colour with a large pink bag.

Lionel, whose national team lost 1-0 to Germany in the tense World Cup final in July, has been making the most of the summer off-season with his family.

Proud papa: Lionel holds his son as he stands beside his glamorous girlfriend Antonella Roccuzzo

Proud papa: Lionel holds his son as he stands beside his glamorous girlfriend Antonella Roccuzzo

Grand arrival: Lionel and his belle Antonella step off their luxury yacht in style on Thursday
Grand arrival: Lionel and his belle Antonella step off their luxury yacht in style on Thursday

Grand arrival: Lionel and his belle Antonella step off their luxury yacht in style on Thursday

On Tuesday, they relaxed and soaked up the sun on their luxury vessel off the shores of Ponza.

Last week, Lionel and Antonella were seen sailing around the picturesque island of Capri with their their 20-month-old son Thiago.

Antonella has stood by her man's side throughout the World Cup, proudly supporting him as he was awarded the Golden Ball for the 2014 tournament's best player.

Hot mama: Antonella lends her son a pair of sunglasses as they prepare to soak up the sun

Hot mama: Antonella lends her son a pair of sunglasses as they prepare to soak up the sun

Going for a ride: The family have been enjoying a vacation in Italy following the World Cup

Going for a ride: The family have been enjoying a vacation in Italy following the World Cup

Yet in spite of his many sporting accolades, Messi insists his biggest achievement in life is his son Thiago.

He previously told Catalan newspaper El Periodico: 'He has changed my life and he is the most important thing.

'In the past, I would get home and continue as if I was still outside and if things were not going well, I would shut myself away. Now I get home, see my son and I get over everything. Thiago has changed me more than all my Balon d'Or.'

Special bond: Doting dad Lionel has described little Thiago as 'the most important thing'

Special bond: Doting dad Lionel has described little Thiago as 'the most important thing'

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