Lionel Messi: This is how the footballer fell in love with his wife of 15 years, Antonela Roccuzzo

Lionel Messi, one of the world's most famous footballers, has not only scored memorable goals on the pitch. He has also found the love of his life in Antonela Roccuzzo, his partner of fifteen years now. This extraordinary love story began long before Messi became an international superstar.

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Who is Antonela Roccuzzo?

Born in Rosario, Argentina, in 1988, Antonela Roccuzo is the daughter of a businessman and entrepreneur of a supermarket chain, and a housewife. She has two sisters, Paula, a lawyer, and Carla, a doctor.

With her sights set on becoming a dentist, Antonela studied odontology at the University of Argentina. Later, she also studied social communications, nutrition and dietetics. Today, in addition to being the wife of the famous footballer, she is also a model. In 2017, she opened her first shoe boutique in Barcelona with Sofia Balbi, the wife of player Lui Suarez, with whom she is close. Named 'Sarkany', the boutique is popular in Latin America.

From friendship to love

Lionel Messi and Antonela Roccuzzo met in 1996 at the home of Lucas Scaglia, Antonela's cousin and Lionel's best friend. They were children in their hometown of Rosario, Argentina. Antonela was 8 and Lionel Messi was 9. They remained friends for many years before finally enjoying a passionate love affair. Diego Vallejos, a friend of Messi's, explains:

This love was born when they were children.

While 13-year-old Lionel Messi finally left Argentina to join FC Barcelona's training center in Spain, he had no intention of giving up on his friend. The footballer wrote regularly to the young girl, promising that they would see each other again. While studying to become a dentist in Argentina, Antonela had a boyfriend with whom she got engaged.

A family tragedy played an important role in bringing Lionel and Antonela together. The death of Antonela's best friend in a car accident was a defining moment that brought the couple closer together, recalls TF1 Info. Lionel Messi returned to Argentina to support her. The ordeal strengthened their bond, and they eventually fell in love. In 2007, they announced to friends and family that they were a couple. They made their relationship official in 2009, and got married in 2017 in Rosario, Argentina, where it all began.

Antonela is popular on social media

Despite their international fame, Lionel Messi and Antonela Roccuzzo have always kept their private lives out of the spotlight. They have chosen not to overexpose their relationship, in stark contrast to many other celebrities in the world of sport.

The couple's low-key approach has strengthened their relationship and allowed them to focus on their family. Together, they have three children, Thiago (b. 2012), Mateo (b. 2015) and the youngest, Ciro (b. 2018). Although discreet about her private life, Antonela often shares precious moments on social networks. She has over 37 million followers on Instagram.

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A post shared by Antonela Roccuzzo (@antonelaroccuzzo)

Antonela, an eternal support

Antonela Roccuzzo is much more than Messi's companion. She is also his greatest support both on and off the pitch. She regularly attends her husband's matches and shares his successes and failures. Her role in Messi's life goes far beyond that of a mere companion.

When Argentina won the 2022 World Cup, Antonela didn't hesitate to write him a message to show her support.

I don't even know where to start... We're so proud of you, Leo Messi! Thank you for teaching us never to give up, to fight to the end. At last, you're a world champion! We know you've suffered for years to get here! Go Argentina!

Her unconditional love and constant support have undoubtedly contributed to the footballer's success.

This article has been translated from Oh!MyMag FR.

Sources used :

TF1 Info, Brut