The couple have known each other since they were children, aged 5 or 6.

As expected, Lionel Messi continues to be the focus of attention at this year’s World Cup. In Argentina’s opening match on the morning of June 17 (Vietnam time), the 38-year-old superstar showed his class with an impressive debut. He scored a hat trick and helped the Argentine team get off to a good start on their journey to conquer the prestigious gold cup.

Immediately after the match, Antonela Roccuzzo – Lionel Messi’s wife – posted a photo with her three boys cheering for her father in the match and sent an emotional message: “Come on Argentina! No matter what, I will always be with you, Leo Messi! You are truly amazing!”.

Lionel Messi had a spectacular game (Photo: BR Football)

Messi’s wife and children were in the stands to cheer him on (Photo: @antonelaroccuzzo)

This isn’t the first time Antonela has publicly expressed her support for her husband. From Messi’s years playing for Barcelona (Spain), to his World Cup triumphs with Argentina, and now with Inter Miami (USA), Antonela has always been present in the stands, quietly accompanying him through the most important milestones of his career.

Perhaps that’s why, besides his goals, titles, and moments of triumph on the field, Messi is also admired for something else: his love story spanning over three decades with Antonela Roccuzzo – the woman who has been by his side since they were children in Rosario, Argentina.

Messi and his wife (Photo: @antonelaroccuzzo)

His childhood sweetheart

Antonela Roccuzzo was born and raised in Rosario, Argentina, the same hometown as Messi. They met when they were 5 or 6 years old, through former footballer Lucas Scaglia – Antonela’s cousin and Messi’s childhood friend. At that time, Messi frequently visited Lucas’s house and met Antonela for the first time.

Many sources indicate that Messi developed a special affection for this little girl with big, round eyes. There are even stories circulating in the media that young Messi told his friends that one day Antonela would be his girlfriend.

Messi and Antonela as children (Photo: Tribuna)

However, life later led them in different directions.

At age 13, Messi left Argentina for Spain to join Barcelona’s youth academy, beginning his journey to becoming one of the greatest players in football history. Meanwhile, Antonela stayed in her homeland, studying Social Sciences and Humanities before pursuing Dentistry at the National University of Rosario.

In the 2000s, Messi and Antonela rekindled their relationship through text messages and emails. In 2007, at the age of 20, the couple reunited when Messi returned home for a visit. Flights spanning over 10,500km between the two continents became more frequent.

A few years later, Messi first confirmed his relationship in an interview. By 2010, photos of the couple vacationing in Rio de Janeiro brought their romance to public attention.

At that time, Messi was already a top star for Barcelona and world football. But for Antonela, he was still the familiar boy who had grown up with her in Rosario.

The couple has been together for over 30 years (Photo: People)

A blissful marriage with three sons

In 2012, Messi and Antonela welcomed their first son, Thiago. The arrival of the boy completely changed the life of the Argentine superstar. He shared after becoming a father: “My son is the most important thing to me right now.”

In 2015, the family welcomed their second son, named Mateo.

In June 2017, Messi and Antonela officially married in Rosario. The event brought together a host of world-famous football stars, including Xavi Hernandez, Carles Puyol, Cesc Fabregas, Sergio Aguero, and their spouses. Fans also gathered at the local airport and climbed over fences outside the venue just to catch a glimpse of the famous guests.

Messi and Antonela’s wedding was dubbed the wedding of the century by the Argentinian media (Photo: Latin Content/Getty Images).

In 2018, Ciro, Messi and Antonela’s youngest son, was born.

In many interviews, Messi has always mentioned his family as his number one priority. He once described a typical day as taking his children to school, to training, coming home for tea, and spending time with Antonela and the children in the park or taking a walk somewhere.

Whenever he talks about his wife, Messi always expresses his deepest affection for Antonela. In a 2019 interview, when asked what he admired most about his wife, Messi answered succinctly: “Actually, everything.”

Messi says Antonela is always optimistic, strong, intelligent, and knows how to face difficulties. He said: “She is a wonderful person in every aspect of life.”

For Antonela’s part, she has always been by her husband’s side during the most important milestones of his career. From his time at Barcelona, ​​through his stint at Paris Saint-Germain, to Messi’s move to the US to play for Inter Miami, Antonela and their children have always been present in the stands to cheer him on.

For over 30 years, the couple has remained together and continues to express their affection in the sweetest way possible (Photo: @antonelaroccuzzo)

In 2023, the Messi family moved to the United States after he joined Inter Miami.

Currently, all three of Messi’s sons share a passion for soccer and play for the youth teams of the Inter Miami Academy. In early 2025, Messi’s three sons had a very memorable day when all three won the Weston Cup with their respective Inter Miami U13, U10, and U8 teams on the same day.

All three of Messi’s sons love football and are currently playing for the youth teams of the Inter Miami Academy.