Who is Antonela Roccuzzo? How she became Messi's girlfriend and wife, ex-boyfriend, current job, and net worth in 2024 (2024)

The story about how Antonella Roccuzzo and Lionel Messi became life partners is heart-warming

Being one of the greatest footballers of all time, Lionel Messi has always had the unwavering support of his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo. Their love story is as captivating as Messi's career, starting when in their childhood, surviving separation, and reunion, but still enduring in love.

Here's a closer look at who Antonela is, how she became Messi's partner, her career, and their life together.

Who is Lionel Messi’s wife?

Antonela Roccuzzo, born on February 26, 1988, is a 36-year-old Argentine model and businesswoman.

She is married to Lionel Messi, the legendary footballer who currently plays for Inter Miami. Antonela is not only known for her relationship with Messi but also for her successful career as a model and entrepreneur.

Growing up in Rosario, Argentina, Antonela pursued a degree in humanities and social sciences at the National University of Rosario.

She also began postgraduate studies in dentistry but eventually decided to move to Spain to be with Messi, abandoning her academic pursuits to support her partner and build a life together.

How did Antonela Roccuzzo become Messi’s girlfriend?

Messi and Antonela's love story began in their hometown of Rosario, Argentina. Antonela is the cousin of Lucas Scaglia, one of Messi's childhood friends and teammates at Newell's Old Boys.

The two spent a lot of time together during summer vacations, and by the age of nine, they had fallen in love.

When Messi moved to Europe to pursue his football career, their relationship seemed to have ended. However, a personal tragedy brought them back together. In 2005, Antonela lost her best friend, Ursula Notz, in a car accident.

When Messi heard the news, he flew back to Argentina to comfort Antonela. This reunion rekindled their relationship, and Antonela eventually moved to Spain to live with Messi.

During Messi's absence, Antonela had briefly dated another man. However, after Messi's return and their subsequent reunion, she ended her previous relationship to be with Messi.

The ex-boyfriend reportedly said, “She dumped me, but at least she didn’t leave me for any old bloke – she dumped me for Messi.”

When did Messi get married to Antonela Roccuzzo?

Lionel Messi and Antonela Roccuzzo got married on June 30, 2017, in a lavish ceremony held at the City Center hotel in Rosario.

The wedding, attended by over 260 guests, including many of Messi's Barcelona teammates and other football stars, was one of the most talked-about events in Argentina.

The guest list included notable names such as Dani Alves, Gerard Pique, Neymar, Sergio Aguero, Samuel Eto’o, Carles Puyol, Xavi Hernandez, and Shakira, who attended with her then-partner Gerard Piqué.

The ceremony was dubbed the “wedding of the century” by Argentine media and celebrated their long-standing relationship that started from childhood.

Antonela Roccuzzo’s net worth

Antonela Roccuzzo has built a successful career as a model and entrepreneur. She began her modeling career before her relationship with Messi became public and later resumed it after moving to Spain. Antonela has collaborated with several fitness brands and companies, including Adidas and Stella McCartney.

In December 2016, prior to her wedding to Messi, Antonela started her entrepreneurial journey by opening a shoe store in Spain along with Sofia Balbi, the wife of Messi’s former Barcelona teammate Luis Suarez.

She currently manages several businesses, including a children's fashion brand (Enfans), a line of women's shoes (Sarkany), and a supermarket chain in Argentina. She also launched a collection of phone accessories called Casetify. As of now, Antonela's net worth is estimated to be around $20 million, while Lionel Messi's net worth is approximately $600 million.

How many children do Messi and Antonela Roccuzzo have?

Messi and Antonela have three sons: Thiago, born in 2012; Mateo, born in 2015; and Ciro, born in 2018. The couple often shares glimpses of their family life on social media, especially posts on Instagram showing the boys and their dog Hulk.

Messi once expressed his admiration for how Antonela manages their home, saying, “My wife, Antonela, has lots of great qualities. 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.”

Why Did Messi and Antonela Move to Miami?

In the summer of 2023, Messi and Antonela made a significant change by moving their family to Miami after Messi joined Inter Miami in Major League Soccer and were welcomed by former Manchester United and Real Madrid star David Beckham, who is one of the owners of Messi’s current club.

The family appears to be settling in well, enjoying their new surroundings and the opportunities that come with living in Miami. Messi posted photos of the family relaxing poolside and adjusting to their new home.

Antonela has been supportive of Messi’s career move and continues to cheer him on during his matches while the family is also embracing their new adventure in the United States.

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