Lionel Messi (foto: Official TW/IG/FB account)
Lionel Messi, one of the greatest footballers of all time, often credits his success to his family and his lifelong love, Antonela Roccuzzo.
Their relationship, which began in childhood, has remained scandal-free, resembling a true fairytale romance.
Messi’s battle with a growth disorder
Messi’s journey to football stardom almost came to an abrupt end due to a growth hormone disorder diagnosed when he was just 11 years old. The condition made him smaller and physically weaker than his peers, requiring him to take daily hormone injections in his legs.
"I started when I was 12, and it was something that left a mark on me," Messi once revealed. His treatment came at a hefty cost, reportedly £1,000 per month (€1,200), placing a huge financial strain on his family. His first club, Newell’s Old Boys, stepped in to help cover some expenses, but it wasn’t until FC Barcelona discovered his talent that a long-term solution emerged.
At just 13 years old, Messi moved to Spain to join Barcelona’s renowned La Masia academy, with the club fully funding his medical treatment. By the time he completed his injections, Messi had grown to 169 cm, and his football career had skyrocketed.
Messi and Antonella: A love that started at five
While Messi faced challenges on the pitch, his love life was a story of destiny. He met Antonela Roccuzzo when he was just five years old, introduced by her cousin, who happened to be Messi’s best friend. By the time he was nine, he had already declared his love for her.
Their relationship remained private for years, with very few knowing when they officially became a couple. In 2009, their romance became public when Messi was seen kissing Antonela. She eventually gave up her dentistry studies and moved to Barcelona to be with him.
A private but devoted family life
Antonela pursued a modeling career before shifting her focus to raising their three sons: Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro. The couple tied the knot in 2017 in their hometown of Rosario, Argentina. Their wedding was highly secured, ensuring privacy, and their generosity was evident as they donated leftover food from the celebration to charity.
Though they prefer to keep their personal lives out of the media, Messi and Antonela frequently share glimpses of their family on Instagram, where they are followed by millions.