‘Romantic’ Lionel Messi Puts Football Aside, Talks About Love As He Praises Wife Antonela Roccuzzo

• Lionel Messi put aside football to shower praises on his beautiful wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, describing her in glowing words
• The eighth-time Ballon d'Or winner has known Antonela since childhood, and have been together as a couple since 2017
• Despite rumours of their marriage being on the rocks, the pair continue to show affection towards each other, underscoring their love

Argentina and Inter Miami playmaker, Lionel Messi, channelled his inner loverboy as he spoke affectionately about his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo.

Messi and Antonela have known each other since childhood and have been together for almost two decades. They married in 2017 and have three sons: Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro.

The Messi and Antonella love story

Rocuzzo met the former FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain superstar as a young girl in their hometown of Rosario, Argentina, according to Vanity Fair Espana.

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The couple shared a connection through Roccuzzo’s cousin, former Argentinian footballer Lucas Scaglia, who played alongside Messi at youth level.

CNN Sports reports that Messi was captivated by Antonela early on and began spending more time at Scaglia’s family home to be closer to her.

While they knew each other as children, they spent their teenage years apart when the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner moved to Spain to start his professional career with Barcelona.

As fate would have it, the pair reconnected as adults in the early 2000s. While they kept their relationship private during that time, Messi reportedly confirmed in 2009 that he was in a relationship.

Messi waxes lyrical about Antonela

Despite facing rumours of marital issues and potential separation, their love has remained strong.

When asked about his feelings for his wife, the usually reserved Argentine forward expressed deep admiration and affection for Antonela.

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“Antonella means everything to me. Words are not enough,” the 36-year-old told ESPN, as quoted by The Europe Lad.

When will Messi retire from football?

Messi is set to lead defending champions, Argentina, in the 2024 Copa America in Miami, which could potentially be his final appearance at the continental competition, as reported by Sports Brief.

His international colleague, Lisandro Martinez, acknowledged the uncertainty of Messi's future, admitting that none of his teammates believe this could be the 36-year-old’s last international tournament.

However, Messi has indicated that he plans to end his illustrious career at Inter Miami, though he does not intend to retire immediately.