A previously unpublished photo of a young Lionel Messi has emerged with his current wife, Antonela Roccuzzo.
The Barcelona captain married his childhood sweetheart in 2017, but he first met Roccuzzo as a five-year-old boy.
In Argentina, a photo has been released by the news outlet El Diario La Capital de Mar del Plata which dates back to 1998 and shows a 10-year-old Messi alongside Roccuzzo.
Messi had been travelling with Newell's Old Boys to play in a tournament against Boca Juniors, River Plate, Independiente and Velez Sarsfield, and he took advantage of a day off to relax at the beach with Matias Pecce, Lucas Scaglia, and Scaglia's cousin, Antonela Roccuzzo.
They were accompanied by the Scaglia and Roccuzzo families, who had travelled to watch Newell's, as well as Pecce's parents. Jorge Messi and Celia Cuccittini, the father and mother of Messi, stayed in Rosario.
Niwbekms
380
With Messi, it's all about loyalty. Played for Argentina instead of Spain, Married his Childhood friend, Stayed in Barcelona to help them succeed and was rewarded with the biggest Salary yet some people who cant feed themselves want him to leave to prove them wrong [Crylaugh].
Rakablrsuy
227
Later haters will say he should leave is wife and go for another (new challenge). I proud of u KING LEO DA G.O.A.T
KINGLMD10S
200
the smartest person here is Antonella. she transcended into his future and saw it all so was very patient despite all the guys that obviously tried dating her; wise girlπππππππ
Mosanya
139
It is just the kinda person Leo is.. Loyal to the core and it's nice to see how much love they got for each other, Antonella is a beautiful woman, and must say she is a lucky woman to have one of the richest and best footballer of all time as her husband.
Kohmarz
104
Wow this guy is amazing the childhood friend became the wife also he stayed in one club is the symbol of his loyalty I am sure he never forgot his friends too.
EAsoft
87
He is an inspiration for everyone not only in the football pitch but in his real life too... I dream to be loyal like him... He is a humble genius who teaches not just football but life too
LibBarce
80
Life is actually not fair. Messi met his love at age 5, while I'm 21 and yet to see the love of my life. The biggest winner is Messi's wife who saw the light in the darkness.
hoyadnoryz
78
This is called loyalty. Messi is the benchmark of loyalty. He proved it again and again in his professional life as well as in personal life. πππ