The Life of Lionel Messi’s Wife

In a world of fleeting celebrity romances, the story of Lionel Messi and his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, is the fairytale you haven’t heard. Their journey didn’t start under the glare of stadium lights but on the quiet streets of Rosario, Argentina, their shared childhood hometown. The biography of Antonela Roccuzzo is deeply intertwined with the soccer legend’s, long before he was a global icon.

So, how did Messi and Antonela meet? The two were introduced when they were just children—he was nine years old and she was eight. It all happened at the home of one of Messi’s childhood soccer teammates, Lucas Scaglia, who also happened to be Antonela’s cousin.

According to widespread reports and accounts from friends, the famously shy Messi was instantly captivated. Friends recall that he knew from that first meeting he wanted to be with her one day, even writing her letters as a boy expressing his feelings. This early encounter planted the seeds for what would become a lifelong bond.

Their story is the definition of a childhood sweetheart romance, a connection that would eventually have to withstand time and distance. This bond, formed long before fame and fortune, provides a fascinating look into the man behind the legend and the woman who has been there all along.

What Happened When Messi Moved to Spain?

As a teenager, Lionel Messi’s incredible talent earned him a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity: a chance to train with a top soccer club in Spain. He moved across the Atlantic at just 13 years old, leaving his home, family, and his childhood friend Antonela behind. For a while, their story seemed to pause as they grew up on different continents, each focused on their own path.

Years later, a tragedy brought them back together. When Antonela’s best friend passed away in an accident, a devastated Antonela was grieving. As soon as Messi heard the news, he flew from Spain back to Argentina without a second thought, just to be by her side. That compassionate act showed how much he still cared and ultimately rekindled their powerful bond.

From that moment forward, they were officially a couple again. However, their adult relationship began with the major challenge of long distance. While Messi’s career was taking off in Europe, Antonela stayed in Argentina, where she was studying at a university. They kept their romance quiet for a few years, navigating the time difference and the thousands of miles that separated them.

Eventually, Antonela made the life-changing decision to put their relationship first. She moved to Spain to join Messi in Barcelona, closing the physical distance between them for good. This move marked the true beginning of their shared life together and paved the way for them to become the family they are today.

What Do We Know About Messi and Antonela’s Wedding and Family?

After nearly a decade together in Europe, Lionel and Antonela returned to where their story began to make it official. In 2017, they married in their hometown of Rosario, Argentina, in a celebration dubbed the “wedding of the century.” The event brought global attention to their city, as they celebrated their lifelong bond in front of family, friends, and some of the biggest names in soccer, creating a true full-circle moment.

By the time they walked down the aisle, their family was already growing. Today, they are the proud parents of three energetic and charming boys who have become fixtures on the sidelines at Messi’s games, often stealing the show with their adorable reactions. Their sons are:

• Thiago (born 2012)
• Mateo (born 2015)
• Ciro (born 2018)

A quick look at either the Lionel Messi or Antonela Roccuzzo social media profile makes one thing abundantly clear: their world revolves around their children. In between posts about career milestones, their accounts are filled with heartwarming photos of family vacations, birthday parties, and simple, everyday moments at home. This public focus showcases a deep commitment to parenthood, grounding their extraordinary lives in a relatable, family-first reality.

While being a mother is clearly her most cherished role, it’s only one part of Antonela’s identity.

What Does Antonela Roccuzzo Do for a Living?

Beyond her role as a devoted mother, Antonela has a strong academic and professional background that began long before she became a global figure. Back in Argentina, she pursued a university education, initially studying dentistry for several years. She later shifted her focus to social communications, a field that has proven highly relevant to the public-facing life she leads today. This foundation highlights a personal ambition that has always run parallel to her family life.

That drive eventually extended into the world of business. For a time, she channeled her passion for fashion into entrepreneurship by co-founding a luxury shoe boutique in Barcelona. The venture, which she launched with close friend Sofia Balbi (wife of fellow soccer star Luis Suárez), demonstrated her business acumen and sharp eye for style, giving her hands-on experience in the competitive retail industry.

Today, Antonela is best known professionally as a successful model and powerful social media influencer. With tens of millions of followers on Instagram, she has become a sought-after partner for major international brands. Fashion houses and beauty companies frequently collaborate with her, recognizing her global appeal and status as a relatable yet aspirational style icon for women around the world.

From her university days to her current brand partnerships, Antonela has built an impressive career entirely her own. This work has not only made her a successful businesswoman but has also solidified her place as a public figure admired for more than just her famous husband.

How Does Antonela’s Style and Public Life Compare?

When it comes to fashion, Antonela Roccuzzo has perfected a unique blend of high-end glamour and down-to-earth approachability. On the red carpet or at formal events, she favors elegant gowns from top designers, but her day-to-day look is far more relatable. She’s often seen in stylish-yet-practical outfits, like jeans and a simple top, creating an image of a modern woman who is both a global figure and a busy mother of three. This balance is central to her appeal and defines her relatable fashion style.

Her massive social media profile, followed by tens of millions, directly reflects this same balance. While she shares professional photos from modeling campaigns and brand partnerships, the majority of her content paints a warm, family-first picture. Followers get glimpses of birthday parties, casual family outings, and proud moments cheering from the sidelines. This curated but authentic window into her life reinforces her public image as a devoted partner and mother, using her platform to project positivity rather than just celebrity status.

Since the family’s move to Miami, this public-facing role has become even more visible. Antonela is a constant, supportive presence at Lionel Messi’s games for Inter Miami, often seen celebrating with her sons. She seamlessly blends into the city’s social fabric while ensuring her family remains the anchor in their new life. Her ability to navigate immense fame with grace and a clear focus on what matters most is a key reason their story continues to captivate people around the world.

Why Their Story Resonates

The story of Lionel Messi and Antonela Roccuzzo resonates far beyond the world of sports because it represents a rare form of enduring connection in the public eye. Their journey, which began on the childhood streets of Rosario, illustrates a bond strong enough to withstand geographic distance, the pressures of global fame, and the creation of a family in the spotlight. It’s a love story defined by quiet loyalty and a shared history that predates worldwide celebrity.

Antonela’s biography is not simply that of a superstar’s partner, but of the anchor in his life. She is the constant, unwavering foundation in a world of immense pressure, allowing their family to remain grounded. Their partnership provides a powerful example of strength and stability.

Ultimately, their story leaves a heartwarming impression: that true success isn’t just measured in trophies, but in having a partner who knew you long before the world did.