Lionel Messi and Antonela Roccuzzo met when they were children, back when the ’10’ was still playing in Newell’s youth teams. They began dating shortly after, and when Leo left for Barcelona, she went with him at the age of 19.
Leaving her homeland was no easy feat, and now, years later, the model confessed what was the hardest part of that process.
Anto reveals the pain of leaving Argentina
Roccuzzo accompanied Leo every step of the way. She left Argentina for Spain to watch him shine at Barça. Years later, she moved to France to see him play for Paris Saint-Germain, and now she remains by his side in the United States following his arrival at Inter Miami in 2023.
Amid fame and soccer, they built a family. In November 2012, their first son, Thiago, was born, followed by Mateo in September 2015, and in March 2018, the couple welcomed their third son, Ciro.
Now, looking back on the journey, Anto shared nostalgic memories in an interview with Harper’s Bazaar Mexico. She began by sharing details of the moment she left for Barcelona and didn’t sugarcoat her past: “It was difficult when I moved to Spain because at that time my family and my friends were my safe haven where I felt protected,” she said.
However, she was able to see the silver lining and added: “But, on the other hand, that helped me grow a lot. It challenged me to take action, to figure things out, and to step out of my comfort zone. You have to keep moving forward.”
“It’s hard to leave your roots behind, but I’ve always carried my family and my traditions in my heart, in every different place I’ve lived. Even the TV we watch at home is Argentine, no matter where we go,” she confessed with a laugh.
Although Roccuzzo was able to emerge resilient from this situation, it wasn’t always easy, and she recalled how much she missed her loved ones in a country where, even though there was no language barrier, she didn’t know anyone:
“I won’t deny that it’s hard to be far from family. When something happens to you and you need a sister’s hug, a face-to-face chat with a friend, or simply to be by your parents’ side on a Sunday afternoon. It’s sad to miss out on moments that pass and never come back,” she confessed.
However, as he reflected on his story, he emphasized the positive: “Without a doubt, the most valuable thing is the people we met along the way in each of these places.”
Soon, Lionel’s coworkers and their families became his own family, sharing holidays and special moments with Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, Luis Suárez or Cesc Fàbregas, their wives and children, proving that soccer not only fuels passions but also unites hearts.
Thus, through moves, challenges, and new chapters, Antonela and Lionel built much more than a life connected to football: they created a solid home, full of love and resilience. Each destination offered them lessons, friendships, and memories that now intertwine in a story of unbreakable love and unity.
That journey reached one of its most emotional moments when Messi lifted the 2022 FIFA World Cup with Argentina, a dream fulfilled after years of sacrifice, with his family by his side. Now, Leo and the Albiceleste will defend the title in a new edition of the tournament, but with the conviction that no matter where in the world they are, the sense of family always prevails.
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