Is Lionel Messi Married? Relationship & Family Life Explained

In the glittering world of professional football, where relationships often crumble under the pressure of fame and constant travel, Lionel Messi’s marriage stands as a beacon of enduring love and commitment. The Argentine superstar, widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, has been married to his childhood sweetheart, Antonela Roccuzzo, since 2017, creating one of sports’ most admired love stories.

Their relationship transcends the typical celebrity romance narrative, rooted instead in genuine friendship, shared history, and unwavering support through life’s greatest challenges. What makes their bond particularly remarkable is how it survived the test of time, distance, and the overwhelming pressures that come with being married to a global icon. From their first meeting as children in Rosario, Argentina, to their fairy-tale wedding that an entire nation, Messi and Roccuzzo have demonstrated that true love can indeed conquer all obstacles.

This extraordinary partnership has not only provided Messi with personal happiness but has also served as the foundation for his professional success. Behind every great athlete stands a strong support system, and for Messi, that support comes primarily from his wife and their three children, who have created a sanctuary of normalcy amidst the chaos of international football stardom.

The Beginning: A Childhood Romance in Rosario

Lionel Messi and Antonela Roccuzzo’s love story began in the most innocent of circumstances – as children growing up in Rosario, Argentina. Their paths first crossed when Messi was just nine years old, through a connection that would prove to be destiny. Roccuzzo was the cousin of Lucas Scaglia, one of Messi’s closest childhood friends, which naturally brought the future couple into each other’s orbit during their formative years.

What started as a simple childhood friendship gradually blossomed into something deeper as they grew older. Both children were raised in Rosario’s close-knit community, where family connections and neighborhood bonds formed the fabric of daily life. This shared upbringing in Argentina’s third-largest city created a foundation of common values and experiences that would later prove crucial to their relationship’s longevity.

However, their young romance faced its first major test when Messi’s extraordinary football talent became apparent. At the age of 13, he made the difficult decision to leave Argentina and join FC Barcelona’s youth academy, La Masia, in Spain. This separation could have easily ended their budding relationship, and for a time, both Messi and Roccuzzo believed it had.

Separation and Reunion: Love Conquers Distance

The years following Messi’s departure to Europe were marked by physical separation but not emotional distance. As Messi focused on developing his football career in Barcelona, Roccuzzo remained in Argentina, pursuing her own education and career aspirations. During this period, both young people assumed their childhood connection was nothing more than a beautiful memory from their past.

The turning point in their relationship came during a personal tragedy that would ultimately reunite them permanently. When Roccuzzo faced a significant loss in her life, Messi made the decision to return to Argentina to be by her side during this difficult period. This gesture of support and compassion reignited their connection and demonstrated the depth of Messi’s feelings for his childhood friend.

From that moment of reunion, Messi and Roccuzzo have remained inseparable. The experience of supporting each other through hardship strengthened their bond and proved that their connection transcended mere childhood nostalgia. It was during this period that their relationship evolved from friendship into a deep, committed partnership that would withstand the pressures of Messi’s rising international fame.

Building a Family: The Messi Children

The couple’s commitment to each other became even more evident as they began building their family together. Their first son, Thiago Messi, was born on November 2, 2012, marking a new chapter in their lives as they embraced parenthood. The arrival of Thiago brought immense joy to the couple and provided Messi with additional motivation both on and off the football pitch.

Two years later, their family expanded again with the birth of their second son, Mateo Messi, on September 11, 2015. Mateo’s arrival doubled their parental responsibilities and joy, creating a dynamic household filled with the energy and laughter that only young children can bring.

The Messi family was completed with the birth of their third son, Ciro Messi, on March 10, 2018. With three boys under their care, Messi and Roccuzzo had created a bustling household that serves as Messi’s refuge from the intense pressures of professional football. Each child has brought their own personality and charm to the family dynamic, with Messi often sharing glimpses of their family life on social media.

The Wedding of the Century

After years of partnership and raising two children together, Messi and Roccuzzo decided to formalize their commitment with a wedding ceremony that would become one of the most talked-about events in sports history. On June 30, 2017, approximately 24 years after they first met, the couple exchanged vows in their hometown of Rosario.

The wedding was dubbed “the wedding of the century” by Argentine media, reflecting the enormous public interest in the union of their beloved football star. The ceremony took place at a luxury hotel and casino complex, with security measures that rivaled those of a head-of-state event. Despite the private nature of the ceremony, the city of Rosario embraced the celebration, with large screens set up around the city for residents to watch the proceedings.

Approximately 260 guests attended the exclusive ceremony, including some of the biggest names in international football. Notable attendees included Messi’s Barcelona teammates Neymar and Luis Suárez, as well as Gerard Piqué and his then-partner Shakira. Former teammates Carles Puyol and Cesc Fàbregas also joined the celebration, highlighting the respect and affection Messi commands within the football community.

Roccuzzo looked stunning in a tight, mermaid-style gown designed by Spanish designer Rosa Clara, while the couple’s children, four-year-old Thiago and one-year-old Mateo, had front-row seats to witness their parents’ special moment.

Antonela Roccuzzo: More Than Just a Football Wife

While often described primarily in relation to her famous husband, Antonela Roccuzzo has established herself as a successful individual in her own right. She has built a career as a model and businesswoman, demonstrating the intelligence and well-rounded nature that Messi has publicly praised. Her ability to maintain her own identity while supporting her husband’s career exemplifies the balanced partnership they have created.

Messi has spoken admiringly of his wife’s qualities, particularly her ability to handle daily challenges with grace and maintain a positive attitude even under pressure. “My wife, Antonela, has lots of great qualities,” Messi once told FC Barcelona. “I really admire how she deals with the day-to-day; she is always in a good mood, and she approaches problems admirably. She is highly intelligent and well-rounded in all aspects of life.”

Roccuzzo has been a constant presence at Messi’s major career moments, supporting him through five World Cup campaigns from Germany 2006 to Qatar 2022, where Argentina finally achieved World Cup glory. Her unwavering support through both triumphs and disappointments has been a crucial factor in Messi’s ability to perform at the highest level for over a decade and a half.

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