Messi & Antonela Roccuzzo: a love story that began when they were kids and bloomed into marriage and children

Lionel Messi and Antonela Roccuzzo met when they were just kids...who would have thought that more than 20 years later, they would be together and celebrating the third Argentine World Cup win in Qatar. As soon as the match against France ended, Antonela quickly joined her husband, the father of her three kids, on the field of the Lusail Stadium to celebrate one of his most significant accomplishments of all time.

The couple’s three sons joined them in the exciting celebration: Thiago, Mateo and Ciro. All were overwhelmed with emotion to see their father and the Argentine team lift the Cup as World Cup champions.

Lionel Messi and Antonela Roccuzzo met when they were kids, thanks to Lucas Scaglia.

Lucas and Lionel were players at Newell’s Old Boys, the children’s soccer and became close friends. Lucas was Antonela’s cousin and one summer he invited Messi to spend vacations with his family.

At the age of 9, Lionel and Antonela fell in love.

When they were kids, Lionel and Antonela used to play on the streets with their friends, like many other kids their age. Still, their love for each other existed and prevailed over the years.

When he was 11 years old, Messi received devastating news: he was diagnosed with a growth hormone disorder, something that put his dreams of becoming a professional soccer player at risk. His father, Jorge Messi, did everything he could to get a team to sign Messi and to pay for his medical treatment.

Leo left to Spain to follow his dreams, being signed by the children’s division of FC Barcelona. Over the years, Messi earned status in the club, quickly growing into one of the most emblematic figures in soccer history. Still, he couldn’t help but think about Antonela, who was still in Rosario.

Per Vanity Fair, Antonela studied dental medicine in her hometown. Around that time, Antonela faced a tremendous personal loss; her best friend died in a car crash.

Antonela was devastated. Messi booked a flight to Argentina as soon as he heard the news. The couple reunited and made plans for their future together, with Antonela leaving her old life behind in order to move to Spain and live with Messi.

Antonela moved to Messi’s house in Castelldefels, Barcelona, marking their start of their life as a couple. In June of 2012, they announced that they were expecting their first child together. On November 2, 2012, Thiago Messi was born.

As Messi’s career grew, so did his family. On September 11th, 2015, Mateo, their second son, was born. On March 11th, 2018, their third son, Ciro, was born.

On June 30th, 2017, the couple got married, having a beautiful wedding in their hometown of Rosario. They got married at the City Center hotel, with over 260 guests.

Among them were soccer stars like Dani Alves, Gerard Pique, Neymar, Sergio Aguero, Samuel Eto’o, Carles Puyol, Xavi Hernandez, and more.

Antonela was dressed in Rosa Clará, while Messi wore a Dolce & Gabbana suit.

Lionel and Antonela’s love story is beautiful and unique. They’ve been together for most of their lives and have faced adversity and come out stronger for it.

Now that Messi faces a tough and complex situation on a professional level, we’re sure Antonela will be there to provide him with all the support he needs.