리오넬 메시가 안토넬라를 만난 것이 약 9살 때였다니.
대단한 사람들이네.
출처.
The tragedy that saw Messi fly back to his childhood sweetheart
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Love Stories: The tragedy that saw Lionel Messi fly back to his childhood sweetheart, Antonela Roccuzzo
By Kate Rafferty|
Lionel Messi met his true love when they were children – and she's been by his side for many of the milestones of his stellar sporting career.
Messi and Antonela Roccuzzo's love story, and the tragedy that brought them back together years ago their first meeting, is one that tugs at the heart strings.
The two met in their home town, Rosario, in Argentina, when Messi was just nine years old and Roccuzzo was eight.
Lionel Messi and wife Antonela Roccuzzo at the Best Fifa Football awards 2017.
The pair were childhood sweethearts, meeting in their Argentinian hometown of Rosario when they were eight and nine. (Getty)
Messi had been invited to spend a summer holiday at his friend Lucas Scaglia's house. Scaglia was playing alongside the future football great in the youth league for Argentinian football club Newell's Old Boys.
With Messi a new guest in the family house, it wasn't long before he was introduced to Scaglia's cousin, Roccuzzo.
The young athlete was smitten, and immediately set about trying to impress his friend's gymnast cousin.
An avid letter-writer when he was younger, Messi wrote to Roccuzzo several times during the summer – and it was enough to woo her.
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The pair were inseparable, but when Barcelona came calling, Messi packed his bags, moving with his family to Spain to launch his history-making career.
Roccuzzo continued at school in Argentina, taking an interest in medicine and dentistry, while her beau rose through the ranks at Camp Nou, the famous home stadium for his new club.
There was no doubt he had talent. Bursting onto the scene in 2004 at just 17, the famous midfielder went on to score 672 goals and win 27 major trophies for Barcelona.
But in the midst of his career success, a tragedy hit Roccuzzo and her family.
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Lionel Messi celebrates Barcelona win
Messi trained at Camp Nou for the Barcelona Football Club, rising as one of the most talented football players in the world. (AP)
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In 2007, while studying dental medicine at the University of Argentina, Roccuzzo's best friend died suddenly in a car crash.
Without hesitation, Messi immediately travelled to Argentina to support her.
As fate would have it, the event also saw a rekindling of an old flame, with Roccuzzo deciding to join Messi on his return to Spain.
The couple dated secretly before going public with their relationship in 2009. They got engaged in a private ceremony in 2010, and became parents three years later in 2012 when their son Thiago was born.
Messi famously delivered the news to the public in June 2012, when he celebrated a goal against Ecuador by tucking a ball under his shirt to portray a pregnant woman.
In April 2015, the couple announced they were expecting a second child, and welcomed their son Mateo into the world on September 11, 2015.
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The young family at the Best Fifa Football Awards in 2019. (FIFA via Getty Images)
After 20 years of dating, the pair decided to tie the knot in 2017, getting married in the place where it all began – Rosario.
Only three months after their wedding, Messi and Roccuzzo announced they were expecting a third child, Ciro, who was born March 10, 2018.
The lovebirds frequently post photos of them and their family on social media, and reportedly want at least one more baby.
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Sofia Balbi (R) wife of Luis Suarez and Antonella Roccuzzo, wife of Lionel Messi prior the La Liga match between FC Barcelona and Villarreal CF at Camp Nou Stadium on May 6, 2017
Antonela sits with close friend Sofia Balbi, wife of fellow Barcelona player Luis Suarez and their children. (Getty)
A family man, Messi told Goal in 2018 that he would like to have a daughter.
"Yes, I want a nena [girl], we are happy with the birth of Ciro, but we want a nena now," he said.
"As a father, I am what I learn at home. I try to be a reflection of what the kids teach me."
Four years later, Messi opened up about the family's grand move to Paris, telling Goal the decision was an emotional one for the entire family.
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"When I communicated my wish to leave to my wife and children, it was a brutal drama. The whole family began crying, my children did not want to leave Barcelona, nor did they want to change schools," he said.
"I love Barcelona and I'm not going to find a better place than here anywhere. Still I have the right to decide. I wanted to look for new goals and new challenges."
The star arrived in Paris in August 2021, and signed his controversial two-year deal to new club, Paris Saint-Germain.
At the time, Roccuzzo posted a sweet family photo on Instagram, along with some hopes for the future.
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"If a wonderful stage is over, a new chapter full of opportunities opens!" she wrote.
"All the changes are difficult at first, but together we are going to write our history. We love you [Messi] and with you all."
Messi went on to help Argentina win the World Cup in December 2022, and has joined the US Major League Soccer in 2023.
Throughout these many recent moves and milestones, Roccuzzo has supported him all the way – as she has for two decades.
