Messi and Antonela have known each other since they were children in Rosario, Argentina. They first met at the home of Lucas Scaglia, Antonela’s cousin, when Messi was 5.

While Messi was playing video games with Lucas, Antonela approached and asked if they needed anything.

Messi was so shy he couldn't speak, but he knew what he had to do. Soon after, he boldly wrote a letter declaring, "One day, we will get engaged," and sent it to Antonela.

The sweet and romantic promise was realized many years later.

When Messi moved to Barcelona and settled in Europe, the geographical distance was the biggest challenge to their love. However, Antonela was always his steadfast supporter, maintaining her faith and affection for Messi through calls, messages, and trips back to Argentina.

In 2005, when Antonela was an 18-year-old dental student, she experienced the trauma of losing a close friend in an accident. Upon hearing the news, Messi immediately returned to Argentina to comfort her. From that point on, they were truly in love. The couple kept their relationship secret for four years, until Messi first revealed it in 2009.

As Messi’s career at Barcelona flourished, Antonela decided to move to Spain to be with him. Around 2008-2009, after their relationship solidified, Antonela officially left Rosario, beginning a new chapter in her life in Europe.

The years in Spain were not only a time for Messi to excel on the field but also a period for him and Antonela to build a strong foundation for their love and family. Although life in a foreign city was sometimes difficult, his girlfriend was always his emotional anchor, helping him balance the pressures of his career with his personal happiness.

Messi and Antonela's wedding took place on 30/6/2017 at the luxurious City Center Rosario hotel in their hometown. The event was dubbed the "wedding of the century" in Argentina, with more than 250 guests, including family, close friends, and many soccer stars such as Gerard Pique, Cesc Fabregas, and Sergio Aguero.

Security was extremely tight, but the atmosphere inside was warm and simple, reflecting the couple's lifestyle. Antonela wore a pristine white wedding dress by Rosa Clara, while Messi chose an elegant suit, as they exchanged vows before their loved ones.

In 2012, Messi and Antonela welcomed their first son, Thiago. This was an important turning point, marking their transition from a young couple to a complete family. After Thiago, two more sons, Mateo (2015) and Ciro (2018), were born.

Despite his global fame and illustrious soccer career, Messi always prioritizes his family. According to Vogue magazine, the Argentinian superstar is a devoted husband and father, spending time playing with his children and sharing responsibilities with Antonela.

Family has always been the greatest support in Messi’s career and life. The image of Antonela and their three sons, Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro, on the field celebrating with Messi, such as after winning the 2022 World Cup and the 2024 Copa America, has left emotional moments for fans.

After more than 20 years with Barcelona, in the summer of 2021, Messi left Spain to join PSG in a move that shook the soccer world.

Despite having to adapt to a new environment, Antonela and their children were always by his side, helping Messi quickly settle into life in Paris. The family was often seen strolling the streets, enjoying the food, and exploring French culture.

Two years later, in the summer of 2023, Messi continued to write a new chapter when he moved to Inter Miami in the US. This decision not only opened up a new soccer experience but also brought the whole family a more relaxed pace of life.

There, the Messi family enjoys simple moments like grocery shopping together. In a late 2023 interview, Messi said he wanted to be a normal person and find a place to play where he could avoid the spotlight because soccer is not the number one sport in America. Miami has over 100,000 Argentinian residents, and a large portion of the city’s population speaks Spanish.

The love story of Messi and Antonela, from their childhood days to their fulfilling family life, is a clear testament to perseverance, trust, and sincerity.

Their story has inspired many people about the power of enduring love and the value of family.

Hong Duy