You’ve seen the photos. The ones where Lionel Messi, draped in the Argentinian flag or an Inter Miami kit, immediately looks for a specific brunette in the crowd. That’s Antonela Roccuzzo. If you think this is just another "WAG" story, you’re basically missing the most grounded part of the greatest soccer player to ever live.
Most people think they met once he was famous. Nope. Not even close.
They were literally kids in Rosario. He was five. She was the cousin of his best friend, Lucas Scaglia. Imagine being a scrawny kid who can barely reach the doorbell, writing letters to a girl saying, "One day you will be my girlfriend." It sounds like a bad Hallmark movie, but for Lionel Messi with wife Antonela, it’s just their actual life.
The Tragedy That Reconnected Them
Life isn't always a straight line. When Messi moved to Spain at 13 to join Barcelona’s La Masia, they kinda lost touch. He was becoming a global phenom; she was back in Argentina studying humanities and dentistry.
Then 2005 happened. It was a dark year. Antonela lost her best friend, Ursula Notz, in a horrific car accident.
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Messi didn't just send a text. He flew across the Atlantic. He went back to Rosario specifically to be by her side. That’s the moment the childhood crush turned into something permanent. They kept it quiet for years, though. It wasn't until 2009, during an interview on the Catalan show Hat Trick Barça, that he finally admitted, "Yes, I have a girlfriend. She is in Argentina."
Life in Miami: More Than Just Palm Trees
Fast forward to 2026. The family is fully settled into the Florida lifestyle. If you follow them on Instagram, you’ll see they aren't hitting the club scene in South Beach every night. Honestly, they’re pretty low-key.
Living in a $10.8 million waterfront mansion in Fort Lauderdale (Bay Colony, to be exact) sounds flashy, and it is. Eight bedrooms, a spa, and enough room for three high-energy boys. But their daily routine? It’s surprisingly normal.
- Morning Chaos: They’re up early. Messi has mentioned in interviews that they handle the school run themselves.
- The Routine: Training for Inter Miami happens while the kids are in class. Antonela handles her business meetings and fitness shoots during the same window.
- The Diet: Even in Miami, they stick to Argentine traditions. Lots of maté (that bitter herbal tea Messi is always sipping) and family asados (BBQs).
Antonela isn't just "the wife," either. She’s built a massive brand. With over 40 million followers, she’s a powerhouse for brands like Adidas, Alo Yoga, and Stella McCartney. She even co-owned a footwear boutique with Sofia Balbi (Luis Suárez’s wife) back in Barcelona. She’s got her own money—estimated at around $20 million—which makes them a true power couple rather than a star and a spectator.
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Raising Three "Mini-Messis"
The dynamic of Lionel Messi with wife Antonela is best seen through their three sons: Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro.
Thiago (born 2012) is the calm one. He’s 13 now and playing for the Inter Miami U-12s. He’s got the weight of the world on his shoulders with that last name, but Messi says he’s chilled out.
Then there’s Mateo (born 2015). Mateo is a menace—in a funny way. He’s the one who used to celebrate Real Madrid goals just to annoy his dad and brother. He’s hyper-competitive. Messi once said, "Mateo is the same as me when I was little; he doesn't like to lose anything."
Ciro (born 2018) is the youngest, still finding his feet but apparently copies everything Mateo does.
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"Having three children changed my perspective on life, my way of thinking, and it also helped me grow." — Lionel Messi
Why This Relationship Actually Works
In the world of professional sports, marriages often crumble under the pressure of fame and constant travel. So, why are these two still together after nearly two decades?
- Shared History: They knew each other before the Ballon d'Ors. She knew "Leo" before he was "Messi."
- Privacy: They don't sell every detail of their lives to tabloids.
- The Rosario Anchor: They always go back. Whether it’s for Christmas or their massive 2017 wedding (dubbed the "Wedding of the Century" in Argentina), Rosario is their home base.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're following the Messi family journey through the 2026 season, here's what to look out for:
- The World Cup 2026 Factor: Messi has hinted that if he's at 100% health, he wants to represent Argentina one last time on North American soil. Antonela and the boys will be the first ones on the pitch if they lift the trophy.
- Philanthropy: Keep an eye on their work with UNICEF and the Special Olympics. Antonela has been taking a much more active "ambassador" role lately.
- Fashion Ventures: Expect more collaborations between Antonela and high-end fitness brands. She’s effectively the face of the "luxury-sport" lifestyle in Miami right now.
The reality is that Lionel Messi with wife Antonela represents a rare kind of stability in a very chaotic sport. They aren't trying to be influencers; they just happen to be the most famous family in the world. Whether they’re at a Coldplay concert in Miami or sitting on their porch in Rosario, the vibe stays the same.