Messi Discusses World Cup Focus and Antonela’s Jealousy of Fans
In an exclusive interview with ESPN on August 24, 2025, Lionel Messi, the Inter Miami superstar and Argentina’s captain, opened up about his preparations for the 2026 World Cup and the challenges in his personal life. The 38-year-old football legend shared, “I’m trying to focus on the 2026 World Cup while my wife Antonela Roccuzzo is jealous of my female fans.” The candid revelation, made during a discussion about balancing his career and family, offers a rare glimpse into the dynamics of his marriage and the pressures of global fame.
Messi, who led Argentina to the 2022 World Cup title, is determined to compete in what may be his final international tournament. “The World Cup is my focus,” he said. “I’m working hard to stay fit and help Argentina defend our title.” With 14 goals in 16 MLS matches this season, Messi’s form remains exceptional, but he admitted that the intense adoration from fans, particularly female supporters, has occasionally strained his relationship with Roccuzzo. “Antonela gets jealous sometimes,” he explained. “She sees fans, especially women, asking for photos or autographs, and it bothers her. But we talk it through, and she knows it’s part of my job.”
Messi and Roccuzzo, childhood sweethearts from Rosario, Argentina, have been together since 2008 and married in 2017. The couple shares three sons—Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro—and recently announced they’re expecting a daughter in 2026. Roccuzzo, 37, an entrepreneur with a children’s fashion brand, has been a steadfast supporter of Messi’s career, but the constant attention he receives can be challenging. “It’s not easy being married to someone so famous,” Messi acknowledged. “Antonela is strong, but she’s human. We’ve learned to laugh about it and keep our family first.”
The couple’s openness was evident at a recent Inter Miami match, where Roccuzzo was seen playfully rolling her eyes as fans swarmed Messi for selfies. Fans on X praised their honesty, with one user posting, “Messi talking about Antonela’s jealousy is so real. They’re just a normal couple dealing with fame!” Another wrote, “Love how Messi and Antonela handle these things with communication.” The incident highlights the realities of life in the spotlight, where even a global icon like Messi navigates personal challenges.
As Messi prepares for Argentina’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers and Inter Miami’s MLS playoff push, his focus remains split between football and family. Roccuzzo’s support, despite occasional jealousy, underscores their enduring partnership. Their ability to address such issues openly reinforces their commitment, proving that even the world’s greatest footballer faces the same relational hurdles as anyone else.
