Lionel Messi’s wife Antonella Roccuzzo has revealed her true colors by sending a private message in support of a woman accused of having an affair with her husband. She rejected claims of inappropriate behavior and stood by sports journalist Sophie Martinez, who was unwittingly the subject of online speculation. It all started with an interaction between the soccer legend and Martinez during the 2022 World Cup. Moments after Argentina beat Croatia 3-0 in the semi-finals, Inter Miami star Messi opened the scoring from the penalty spot and set up Julián Álvarez for the third goal. Televiso Publica reporter Martinez praised him for leading his country to the World Cup final.
At the end of the interview, the journalist concluded with a heartfelt message to Messi. “Whatever the outcome, I just want to tell you that there is something that no one can take away from you, and that is the fact that you resonated with all Argentines,” she said. “I’m being serious. There’s not a kid out there who isn’t wearing your team shirt, whether it’s fake, real or manufactured. Truly, you left a mark on everyone’s lives. And that, to me, goes beyond winning the World Cup. No one can take that away from you. This is my gratitude. For the tremendous amount of happiness you brought to so many people.”
After the interview went viral, supporters initially praised the reporter’s candor. However, extensive coverage led some onlookers to misunderstand the relationship between the footballer and the journalist.
Martinez then revealed that he received a message from Messi’s wife Antonella, who was inadvertently thrust into the spotlight. As the reporter struggled to address the speculation, Antonella showed her caring nature and reached out.
During a recent appearance on Pisco TV’s “A Punto,” Martinez recalled: “She didn’t need to message me, but out of the blue she texted me: ‘Sophie, don’t worry, don’t listen to that nonsense.'”
“I’m grateful because I wasn’t taking the whole situation very well. People were making up things and making up situations that had no basis in fact. It was very unfair. And the fact that she sent me that message was…reassuring.”
Martinez shared his thoughts about Antonella, adding, “I respect her and would love to interview her at some point in the future.”
Messi and Antonella have been a couple since 2008 and tied the knot in June 2017 in their hometown of Rosario. Their first son Thiago was born in 2012, Mateo was born in 2015, and their youngest son Ciro was born in 2018.
Meanwhile, Martinez previously revealed that the speculation was putting a strain on her and her family. In December 2023, she said on PH Podemos Hablar: “When your exposure increases, often it results in not-so-good things, and my family has suffered a lot.
“This year, people started talking more and more about things like, ‘How does he see you?’ I got caught up in it and felt silly that I had to clarify.”
It’s been nearly four years since that interview went viral, and Messi will be hoping to lead his country to another World Cup victory this summer. The 38-year-old has scored 116 goals in 198 appearances for Argentina, including seven goals at the 2022 Qatar tournament.
