As the 2026 FIFA World Cup unfolds, the spotlight isn’t just on the players on the pitch—it’s also on the WAGs (wives and girlfriends) cheering them on from the stands.
More than two decades after Victoria Beckham, Cheryl Cole, and Alexa Curran helped popularize the term “WAG,” football’s most famous significant others remain a source of fascination. In the age of social media, the wives and girlfriends of players have become influential figures in their own right, amassing millions of social media followers and building careers that extend far beyond the sidelines.
Among the standout WAGs at this year’s tournament is Antonela Roccuzzo, the longtime wife of Argentine football legend Lionel Messi. Widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, Messi made history this year by becoming one of three footballers this year who reached their six FIFA World Cup (alongside Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo and Mexico’s Guillermo Ochoa).
A constant presence in the stands, Roccuzzo was quick to celebrate Argentina’s opening victory over Algeria on June 16 on Instagram. Sharing a photo of herself with their three sons, all in Messi jerseys, she wrote, “With you always @leomessi!!!! You are amazing!!”
So, who is Antonela Roccuzzo? Ahead, everything to know about Messi’s wife and one of football’s most-followed WAGs.
She’s from Rosario, Argentina.
Like Messi, Roccuzzo grew up in Rosario, Argentina. In fact, the two first met as kids through one of Roccuzzo’s cousins, former Argentinian pro soccer player Lucas Scaglia, who played with Messi on a youth team.
The two later connected as young adults, and their relationship turned romantic.
She’s a model, influencer, and digital creator.
Roccuzzo currently boasts more than 39-million Instagram followers. On the platform, she shares a mix of fitness, fashion, and lifestyle content. Over the years, she has partnered with major brands including Adidas, Tiffany & Co., and Alo, and has fronted numerous advertising campaigns. She currently serves as a global ambassador for Anastasia Beverly Hills.
Before building a massive social media following, Roccuzzo worked as a model for several Argentine brands, laying the foundation for her career in fashion and brand partnerships.
Antonela and Lionel went public with their relationship in 2009.
Although Messi and Roccuzzo had known each other since childhood, they went public with their romantic relationship in 2009.
In 2014, Roccuzzo shared a sweet Instagram montage featuring photos of the pair as children alongside snapshots from their years together as adults, offering fans a glimpse into their fairytale love story.
The couple married in 2017.
Taking it back to where it all began, Roccuzzo and Messi married in their hometown of Rosario, Argentina, on June 30, 2017. The ultra-lavish wedding celebration was held at the luxury hotel City Center Rosario, and referred to by local media as “the wedding of the century.” Amongst the 260 guests were Shakira and her then-partner, football pro Gerard Piqué.
For the occasion, the bride wore a gown by Barcelona-based designer Rosa Clara.
They have three children together.
Roccuzzo and Messi share three sons together. Their eldest, Thiago, was born on November 2, 2012. They welcomed their second son, Mateo, on September 11, 2015. Rounding out their family of five, Ciro was born on March 10, 2018. The couple frequently shares sweet family photos with their kids on Instagram.
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.harpersbazaar.com ’
