On this joyous day, Lionel Messi, the esteemed football sensation from Argentina, marks his 36th birthday. Yet, amidst all these achievements, Messi would undoubtedly agree that his most cherished treasure is none other than his beloved wife, Antonela Roccuzzo. She has not only been his source of unwavering support over the years but also stands as one of the most stunning WAGs (wives and girlfriends) in the world of football.
Attempting to capture the essence of a man who has achieved over 700 goals and accumulated countless major titles is no easy feat. Lionel Messi is a name that transcends mere adjectives; his impact on the world of football is immeasurable. Numbers and statistics alone fail to do justice to the remarkable career of the Inter Miami goal-scorer. With an impressive collection of seven Ballon d’Or trophies, Messi has solidified his place as arguably the greatest player to have ever graced the football field. It is awe-inspiring to reflect upon the journey of a young boy from Rosario, who, at the tender age of 13, embarked on a path that would ultimately see him conquer the world of football. As we commemorate Messi’s 36th birthday, let us take a moment to relive some of the most memorable highlights from the extraordinary career of this legendary Argentine footballer.
Surprisingly enough, the story of Messi and Antonela began long ago, intertwined with the bond of childhood friendship. They first crossed paths while playing on the streets of Rosario, Argentina, but it was through Messi’s best friend, Lucas Scaglia, that their connection truly flourished. As fate would have it, Antonela happened to be Scaglia’s cousin. Messi and Scaglia shared their football endeavors at the Newell’s Old Boys club, where their friendship blossomed. It was during a gathering at Scaglia’s house that Messi first laid eyes on Antonela, sparking the ignition of their enchanting love story. Despite the blossoming romance, their paths diverged when Messi made the difficult decision to depart for Barcelona in 2004, pursuing his football career.
Messi and Antonela ventured to Spain, settling in Barcelona. In 2012, they welcomed their first child into the world, solidifying their bond as a family. Five years later, in 2017, Messi and Antonela sealed their love with marriage. At Present, the couple is blessed with three beautiful children: Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro, who bring immense joy to their lives.
Notably, Antonela was present in Qatar to witness a momentous occasion—the victorious lift of the FIFA World Cup by her beloved husband. Overwhelmed with happiness, she watched Messi’s emotions overflow as Argentina emerged triumphant against France in the World Cup final.
Reflecting upon Messi’s incredible journey, it’s essential to highlight some remarkable milestones in his career. On May 1, 2005, when Messi, at the tender age of 17, scored his first official goal for Barcelona against Albacete. This goal would be the catalyst for more than 600 goals he would go on to score for the Catalan giants.
Additionally, Messi made his international debut for Argentina in an exhibition game in August 2005 at the age of 18.
His first game against Hungary wasn’t totally straightforward, either, as he was sent off just 43 seconds after entering the field as a replacement.
Messi enjoyed success on the world level by winning a gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics before his historic World Cup victory in 2022.This marked a significant milestone in his journey to global football domination.
Within the context of Barcelona, Messi’s impact is undeniable. He surpassed Cesar Rodriguez’s previous mark of 232 goals in 2012 after scoring a hat-trick against Granada to set a new club record for goals scored.
Messi continued to elevate the goal-scoring record by adding two more goals to his tally in that very game.
When examining his records and statistics, Messi’s excellence shines through. With an astounding 474 goals in La Liga, he now holds the record for the most goals scored in a league.
Furthermore, in 2012, when he scored an astounding 91 goals, his amazing talent allowed him to break the record for the most goals scored in a year. Additionally, Messi’s loyalty and skill were evident as he secured the record for the most goals scored for a single club, amassing an impressive 672 goals for his childhood club, Barcelona. Furthermore, he stands alone as the first player in history to win two Golden Ball awards at the World Cup, in 2014 and 2022. With a total of seven Ballon d’Or awards, Messi’s prowess and dominance in the sport are unparalleled.
Undoubtedly, the most unforgettable triumph of Messi’s career was clinching the coveted World Cup trophy. In 2014, he led Argentina to the final but had to settle for the runners-up position after Germany’s victory. However, destiny smiled upon him in 2022 when Messi guided Argentina to their third World Cup title in Qatar. The indescribable joy and fulfillment he experienced on that fateful day will forever be etched in the annals of football history.
As Messi celebrates another year of his remarkable life, we honor his talent, dedication, and the profound love story he shares with his childhood crush-turned-wife, Antonela Roccuzzo. Together, they continue to inspire football enthusiasts worldwide with their unwavering support, beautiful family, and the enduring power of love.
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