Lionel Messi, one of the most celebrated footballers of all time, has captivated millions with his unparalleled talent on the field. Yet, off the pitch, his romantic journey stands as a testament to enduring love, centered almost exclusively around his childhood sweetheart and now wife, Antonela Roccuzzo. Their story, spanning decades, is a rare tale of unwavering devotion in the often tumultuous world of celebrity.
Messi and Roccuzzo's connection dates back to their formative years in Rosario, Argentina. They first met in 1996 when Messi, then just nine years old, visited the home of his childhood best friend, Lucas Scaglia, who is Antonela's cousin. Messi was reportedly smitten with Antonela from that very first encounter, a young gymnast who would capture his heart for good. He even reportedly wrote a letter to her at a young age, stating, "One day, we will get engaged."
Their budding friendship, however, faced an early test. In 2000, at the age of 13, Messi moved to Barcelona, Spain, to pursue his football dreams at La Masia, FC Barcelona's youth academy. This geographical distance led to a period where their direct contact diminished, and both focused on their respective paths. While Messi was rising through the ranks of professional football, Antonela remained in Argentina, pursuing studies in dentistry and later social communication.
Despite the distance, fate brought them back together. Around 2007, a personal tragedy in Antonela's life—the death of a close friend—prompted Messi to return to Argentina to be by her side. This moment of shared vulnerability rekindled their deep bond, transforming their childhood affection into a serious romantic relationship. They chose to keep their relationship private for a period, away from the public eye.
The relationship became publicly known in 2009 when Messi, in a television interview, confirmed he had a girlfriend who was in Argentina. Antonela subsequently moved to Barcelona to live with him, solidifying their commitment. Their romance, built on a foundation of shared history and mutual respect, quickly became a beloved narrative for fans worldwide, standing in stark contrast to many fleeting celebrity romances.
Their family began to grow with the arrival of their first son, Thiago Messi-Roccuzzo, born on November 2, 2012. Three years later, their second son, Mateo Messi-Roccuzzo, was born on September 11, 2015. The couple often shared glimpses of their family life on social media, showcasing their strong family unit and Antonela's unwavering support for Messi's career.
On June 30, 2017, Lionel Messi and Antonela Roccuzzo tied the knot in a lavish ceremony in their hometown of Rosario, Argentina, often dubbed "Argentina's wedding of the century" by the press. The star-studded event was attended by numerous football legends, celebrities, and close friends and family, marking a significant milestone in their long-standing relationship. The wedding underscored their commitment to their roots and to each other.
The couple welcomed their third son, Ciro Messi-Roccuzzo, on March 10, 2018, completing their family of five. Antonela Roccuzzo has remained a constant and supportive presence in Messi's life, attending his matches, celebrating his numerous victories, and offering comfort during challenging times. Her social media often features heartfelt messages of support for her husband, highlighting their strong partnership.
Their relationship is characterized by a remarkable degree of privacy and stability, a rarity for figures of their global stature. While rumors of brief, unconfirmed dalliances existed in the early stages of Messi's career—such as with Argentine model Macarena Lemos around 2006—these were largely unverified and quickly overshadowed by his enduring relationship with Antonela. Messi's public life has consistently revolved around his family, projecting an image of a dedicated husband and father.
Today, Lionel Messi and Antonela Roccuzzo continue to be a beacon of enduring love. As Messi transitioned from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain and now to Inter Miami, Antonela and their three sons have been by his side, adapting to new cultures and environments. Their bond remains strong, a testament to a love story that began in childhood and has matured into a beautiful family life, proving that even in the brightest of spotlights, true love can thrive and endure.