Lionel Messi, the Argentine professional soccer star, has been making headlines for years with his incredible skills on the field. However, not many people know about the woman behind the scenes who has been supporting him every step of the way – his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo.
Here, we’ll delve into the life of Antonela Roccuzzo, from her childhood to her marriage to Messi, and explore what makes her the perfect partner for the soccer sensation.
A Childhood Friendship That Lasted a Lifetime
Antonela Roccuzzo and Lionel Messi met as children in their hometown of Rosario, Argentina. The two grew up together, and their friendship blossomed into something more as they got older.
However, when Messi was a teenager, he moved to Spain to pursue a soccer career, leaving Roccuzzo behind. Despite the distance, their bond remained strong, and they eventually reconnected after a tragedy struck Roccuzzo’s life.
In 2005, Roccuzzo’s best friend, Ursula Notz, died in a car accident. The news devastated Roccuzzo, and Messi, who was playing in Spain at the time, flew back to Argentina to comfort his future bride. This tragic event brought them closer together, and they eventually started dating.
A University Education and a Passion for Dentistry
Roccuzzo attended university in Argentina, where she obtained a bachelor’s degree in humanities and social sciences from the National University of Rosario.
She also began postgraduate studies in dentistry, but reportedly dropped out to move closer to Messi. Her passion for dentistry didn’t fade away, however, and she has been involved in various charity initiatives related to oral health.
A Businesswoman and Model
Roccuzzo is not just a supportive wife; she’s also a successful businesswoman and model. In 2016, she signed a modeling contract with designer Ricky Sarkany, and in 2017, she and her friend Sofia Balbi, the wife of soccer player Luis Suárez, opened a boutique for the Argentinean footwear brand Sarkany in Barcelona. Roccuzzo has also worked with several fitness brands and companies, including Adidas and Stella McCartney.
The Wedding of the Century
In 2017, Messi and Roccuzzo tied the knot in a lavish ceremony in their hometown of Rosario. The wedding was dubbed the “wedding of the century,” with Messi’s teammates, celebrities like Shakira and Gerard Piqué, and other high-profile guests in attendance. The couple’s nuptials were a grand affair, with Roccuzzo looking stunning in her white wedding gown.
A Family of Five
Roccuzzo and Messi have three sons together – Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro. The couple is often seen sharing photos of their family on social media, and Messi has spoken about how being a father has changed his perspective on life.
“You grow and you learn,” he said in an interview. “You gather experience in all aspects of life, on and off the field. But, as a human being, having three children changed my perspective on life, my way of thinking and it also helped me grow.”
Supporting Messi’s Career
Roccuzzo is Messi’s biggest supporter, and she’s often seen cheering him on at his soccer matches. In 2022, she celebrated Messi’s World Cup victory with an Instagram post, saying, “I don’t even know how to start.
What a great pride we feel for you @leomessi Thank you for teaching us to never give up, that we have to fight it until the end IT WAS FINALLY DONE YOU ARE A WORLD CHAMPION, we know what you suffered for so many years, what you wanted to achieve this!!!”
In July 2023, Roccuzzo and Messi made a major change when they moved their family to Miami after the soccer pro joined the city’s team in the U.S.-based Major League Soccer league.
The family of five appears to be settling into the area nicely, with Roccuzzo and Messi often sharing photos of their daily life in Miami on social media.
FAQs
Where did Antonela Roccuzzo meet Lionel Messi?
Antonela Roccuzzo met Lionel Messi in their hometown of Rosario, Argentina, when they were children.
What did Antonela Roccuzzo study in university?
She initially began studies in dentistry before switching to social communications.
How many children do they have?
Three sons: Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro.
