A love story that inspires: Lionel Messi and Antonela Roccuzzo’s personal life

Lionel Andrés Messi is a global football legend whose talent and relentless work ethic have made him a symbol of success for millions of fans. As captain of Inter Miami and the Argentina national team, he has cemented his place in history as Barcelona’s all-time leading scorer and one of Argentina’s finest players. Widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, Messi has won eight Ballon d’Or awards and six Golden Boots—just a fraction of his extraordinary achievements.

In this article, we delve into the personal life of Lionel Messi, the boy from Rosario who conquered football’s highest peaks. We explore his relationship with his wife and the challenges he faced on his path to fame.

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Messi and his one true love: Antonela Roccuzzo

In addition to his passion for football, Lionel Messi has another deep love that holds a special place in his heart—his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, whom he met as a child.

Their love story has become a testament to true partnership and loyalty. Despite numerous challenges, Lionel and Antonela have spent years together, strengthening their bond over time.

It all began when Lionel and Antonela were children living in the Argentine city of Rosario. They were introduced through a mutual friend, footballer Lucas Scaglia, who was Antonela’s cousin. What started as a chance meeting turned out to be life-changing for both. Messi has often confessed it was love at first sight. Even at a young age, Lionel knew this girl would one day be his wife—and he was right.

Lionel and Antonela grew up near each other, with their families living as neighbors, allowing them to spend much time together. They would take walks, play with friends, and even exchange letters expressing their feelings. Even as kids, they sensed their bond was more than just friendship, and their love remained strong, even when distance separated them.

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Health issues forced Lionel to move to Spain, where he began his career at Barcelona. This move temporarily interrupted their relationship, as they could no longer see each other daily. However, even during this period apart, their feelings for one another didn’t fade. Antonela focused on her education and career as a nutritionist, while Messi grew into one of the world’s most successful and renowned footballers.

In 2007, their relationship rekindled under tragic circumstances. When Antonela lost a close friend, Lionel couldn’t stay away and traveled to support her in a difficult time. That moment marked a new chapter in their relationship, as Messi realized Antonela was the woman he wanted to spend his life with.

A significant turning point came in 2012, when the couple announced they were expecting a child. In November of that year, their first son, Thiago, was born. Despite becoming parents, Lionel and Antonela were not yet married. It wasn’t until 2017, after a decade together, that they officially tied the knot. Their wedding, held in Rosario, was a grand event for the couple and the entire nation of Argentina.

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Three years after their wedding, in 2018, the Messi family welcomed another son, Ciro. Together, they have built a happy family rooted in love and mutual respect, which Lionel considers his greatest achievement—just as important as his football accolades.

Antonela has been a steadfast pillar of support for Lionel, despite the fame and pressure that come with his career. Her unwavering encouragement and understanding allow him to focus on football, knowing he has a solid foundation in his personal life. Together, they continue to inspire many couples, proving that true love has no expiration date and can withstand even the greatest challenges.

Messi’s luxurious properties

In September 2023, it was revealed that Messi purchased a luxurious mansion in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, near Inter Miami’s home stadium. The property reportedly cost $10.75 million and spans nearly 1,000 square meters, fulfilling every dream of comfortable living.

Key features of the house include:

• Eight bedrooms and nine bathrooms, providing ample space for Messi’s family, guests, and staff.
• A three-car garage, perfect for his impressive car collection.
• A 50-meter private waterfront with two boat docks, ideal for enjoying ocean views and water activities.
• A luxurious pool, spa, and gym, ensuring relaxation and fitness.

One unique interior detail includes a sheep sculpture that will reportedly be replaced with a symbolic goat—a nod to the abbreviation GOAT (Greatest of All Time). Interestingly, the property deal was finalized in Messi’s absence while he was on international duty with Argentina’s national team.

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This mansion is just one of Messi’s many U.S. properties. Before joining Inter Miami, he already owned several prestigious real estate holdings, such as:

• A Porsche Design Tower flat
  Messi owns a 400-square-meter flat in Miami’s exclusive Porsche Design Tower, featuring car lifts that bring vehicles directly to the flat.
• Two flats in Trump Royale
  Messi acquired two luxurious flats in the iconic Trump Royale tower on the waterfront.
• An entire floor in Regalia Tower
  The football star also owns a full floor in the elite Regalia Tower on Collins Avenue, offering breathtaking ocean views.

Additionally, Messi’s transition to life in Florida is made even smoother by the presence of his longtime friend and former teammate Sergio Busquets, whose waterfront home in Sea Ranch Lakes reportedly cost $9 million.

Despite life’s challenges, Messi remains true to his principles and his family, proving that genuine love and the support of loved ones are invincible. His career continues to inspire new generations of footballers and fans alike, with his accomplishments on and off the pitch securing his place in history.