Lionel Messi’s Wife Antonela Roccuzzo: A Simple Guide

Updated July 19, 2026, 10:11 a.m. ET

Editor’s note: You can follow live updates on the Argentina–Spain World Cup final here.

Messi’s Big Day at the World Cup Final

Imagine the biggest soccer game in the world — that’s the World Cup final. On Sunday, July 19, Lionel Messi and his team, Argentina, will play against Spain at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

Here’s what Messi could win in this one game:

• A second straight World Cup title (winning the whole thing two times in a row)
• A third Golden Ball (a fancy trophy for the best player of the tournament)
• A first Golden Boot (award for scoring the most goals)

Important Point: All three of these prizes are possible for Messi in just this one final match!

In the stands watching him, like always, will be:

• His wife, Antonela Roccuzzo
• Their three sons: Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro

How Messi and Antonela Met

Antonela has been next to Messi for most of his amazing soccer journey. Here’s the simple story:

• Both grew up in the same city: Rosario, Argentina
• They knew each other as kids
• When Messi was 13, he left Argentina to join a soccer team called Barcelona (in Spain)
• Even though he moved away, they kept in touch
• We don’t know exactly when they started dating, but Messi said he had a girlfriend in 2009
• Antonela moved to Barcelona the next year (2010)
• They got married in Rosario in June 2017

Who Is Antonela Roccuzzo?

So who is this woman cheering for Messi? Let’s break it down like we’re five:

• She was born in Rosario in 1988
• She went to school to be a dentist (a teeth doctor) but later stopped going
• She helps good causes:
  • She is an ambassador (a friendly spokesperson) for UNICEF (a group that helps kids worldwide)
  • She also works with the Special Olympics (sports for people with disabilities)
• She has worked as a model (posing for pictures)
• She helped start a kids’ clothing brand called Enfans with her cousin Andrea Lo Menzo
• On her Instagram (a photo-sharing app), she calls herself a "Digital creator" and has over 40 million followers

Important Point: Antonela is more than just Messi’s wife — she has her own career, causes, and millions of fans!

Summary

Lionel Messi is playing in the World Cup final on July 19, with a chance to win big awards. His wife Antonela Roccuzzo, whom he’s known since childhood in Rosario, will be watching with their kids. Antonela is a former dental student, a model, a charity ambassador, and a mom of three with a huge social media following.

FAQ

1. When is the World Cup final with Messi’s Argentina vs. Spain?
It is on Sunday, July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

2. How did Messi and Antonela Roccuzzo meet?
They both grew up in Rosario, Argentina, and knew each other as children. They stayed in touch after Messi moved to Barcelona at 13.

3. What does Antonela do besides support Messi?
She is a model, co-founded a children’s clothing brand, works with UNICEF and the Special Olympics, and is a digital creator with over 40 million Instagram followers.

4. How many kids do Messi and Antonela have?
They have three sons: Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro.