How Lionel Messi Encountered His Future Wife in the Sandbox

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Their love story belongs to the category that evokes sheer warmth and gentle joy. And perhaps a dash of envy: such serendipity does indeed occur! Who are we discussing? Naturally, Lionel Messi and his beautiful wife, Antonella.

In the Beginning

Lionel and Antonella's acquaintance dates back to their early childhood, to be precise, since the age of five. They grew up in the same town in Argentina, frequently crossing paths at the house of the girl's cousin, Lucas Scaglia (a future footballer as well).
Lionel Messi and his wife Antonella Roccuzzo
Lionel Messi and his wife Antonella Roccuzzo
As children, they often frolicked by the river together, indulged in the wooden ball game 'El Bolero,' and teased street cats. A few years passed before the tiny sparks of childlike infatuation began to escalate into dizzying emotions. Now, young Messi hastened to his friend's house, not for a backyard football game, but in eager anticipation of the arrival of the increasingly charming Senorita Roccuzzo.
Lionel and Antonella in 1997
Lionel and Antonella in 1997
By the age of 13, Leo had gathered courage and intended to steal a kiss from the enchanting dark-eyed damsel. But fate had other plans. The prodigious wunderkind was recruited into Barcelona's youth team, and his family promptly prepared for their move to Spain.

Reunion

Separated by continents, Lionel and Antonella endeavored to sustain their connection. However, they had each forged their separate lives. It seemed as if the delicate thread binding these two would snap imminently. Yet, a tragic incident altered everything.

In 2005, a fatal car accident claimed the life of Antonella's closest friend at the tender age of 17. Antonella was so devastated that she could hardly speak. Upon hearing the grim news, Messi immediately purchased tickets to his hometown, disregarding all other commitments solely to console his childhood friend.
Tragedy Offered Them a Second Chance
Tragedy Offered Them a Second Chance
Their relationship was granted a second chance then, although the young pair chose to remain discreet about it. Lionel returned to Spain while Antonella pursued Dentistry at the University of Rosario. When they both reached 20, they confessed their tender romance to their relatives. The press revealed the couple much later, in 2009. In one interview, the forward fleetingly mentioned having a girlfriend residing in Argentina.

"I Do Not Adore Football, But I Cherish You"

The athlete was even somewhat invigorated by the fact that his beloved showed absolute disinterest in football. Millions of beauties across the globe admired his successes on the field, yet he selected the one to whom his goals and hat-tricks were of no consequence.
The Wedding of Messi and Roccuzzo
The Wedding of Messi and Roccuzzo
And does it truly matter how well your beloved comprehends the game rules, when she bestows upon you three such charming sons? Notably, the couple wedded almost a decade after their relationship began, in 2017. They might not have married at all; it is clear as day that such love will never fade, betray, or change, even half a century later.
With His Wife and Charming Sons
With His Wife and Charming Sons
Discover more about Messi's family, career, and interests in his biography on zoomboola.com.