Antonela Roccuzzo, the wife of football legend Lionel Messi, has opened up about the massive sacrifices she made to support her husband's illustrious career.
In an exclusive interview with GRAZIA, the 36-year-old mother of three, entrepreneur, and philanthropist shared candid insights into her journey from aspiring dentist to a global brand ambassador.
Born and raised in Rosario, Argentina, Antonela met Messi as a young girl through her cousin, Lucas Scaglia, who played alongside Messi on a youth soccer team. Their connection blossomed over the years, and despite the physical distance when Messi moved to Spain at age 13 to pursue his soccer career, their bond remained strong.
Antonela initially pursued a Bachelor's degree in humanities and social sciences before enrolling in dentistry school at the National University of Rosario. However, as her relationship with Messi deepened, she made the life-altering decision to pause her education to be by his side.
"I always wanted to be a dentist," she revealed, reflecting on her initial career aspirations. "At that moment, I was dating Leo, and I knew I was going to move soon," she explained, citing her decision to prioritize her partnership with Messi over her studies.
This sacrifice marked the beginning of a journey that would take the couple from their hometown of Rosario to Barcelona, Paris, and most recently, the United States, where Messi now plays for Inter Miami. Throughout this journey, Antonela has been a steadfast supporter of Messi, standing by him through every chapter of his career.
In addition to her role as Messi's partner, Antonela has carved out her own path, becoming an official ambassador for Adidas, the same brand her husband represents.
Speaking about her new role, she expressed her enthusiasm and commitment: "I have always admired the brand so much. It’s kind of like a dream come true, and I just hope to fulfill expectations and do the best I can."
Antonela's journey from aspiring dentist to a global brand ambassador shows her dedication not only to her family but also to her personal growth and professional ambitions. She has successfully balanced her responsibilities as a wife and mother with her growing career, embodying resilience and adaptability.
The couple's love story is one for the ages. They reconnected as adults in the early 2000s and went public with their relationship in 2009. By 2010, they were widely confirmed as a couple, with media capturing photos of them sunbathing in Rio de Janeiro. They tied the knot in a lavish wedding in June 2017, dubbed "the wedding of the century" by Clarín, in their hometown of Rosario. The star-studded event was attended by several soccer stars, including Gerard Piqué and Shakira.
Together, Messi and Antonela share three sons: Thiago, born in 2012, Mateo, born in 2015, and Ciro, born in 2018. Antonela often shares glimpses of their family life on Instagram, where she has more than 39 million followers. Her posts frequently highlight her partnerships with numerous brands, including Tiffany and the wellness company Alo.
Despite the challenges and sacrifices, Antonela remains a pillar of strength and support for Messi, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time. He has won seven prestigious Ballon d’Or trophies, the most won by any soccer player, and has earned dozens of other honors, including a record-breaking six European Golden Shoes. Messi and the Argentinians also won the 2021 Copa América and the 2022 FIFA World Cup, among numerous other achievements.
In a September 2023 interview, Messi hinted that he and Antonela might be open to welcoming a fourth child. "We’d like to have a baby again," he said. "We’re not searching, but we’ll see if a baby girl arrives." The couple continues to bond over soccer, with Antonela and the kids recently attending one of Messi's games and sharing a picture of them on Instagram.
Through it all, Antonela's unwavering support and love for Messi have been evident. Messi himself has spoken glowingly of his wife, saying in a 2019 interview with Marca, "The truth is that (I admire) everything about her. She has many good qualities: how she gets by on a daily basis; her personality; she is always in a good mood; and she always faces up to problems in an admirable way. She is a very intelligent person who is great in all aspects of life."
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