25 November 2023 , 23:40
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Cesc Fabregas' wife has leaped to the defence of Lionel Messi after a Brazilian outlet alleged he had an affair on his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, with an Argentine journalist.
It was claimed on Friday that Messi and Roccuzzo, who share three children, Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro, are facing the "biggest crisis" of their marriage to date. The outlet alleged Inter Miami star Messi had an affair with Argentine journalist, leaving their marriage on the rocks.
Messi and Roccuzzo have known each other since they were five and the childhood sweethearts tied the knot in 2017. The news hasn't gone down well with those close to Messi and Roccuzzo, with the 2022 World Cup winner's former Barcelona teammate Fabregas' wife, Daniella Semaan, speaking out. Semaan, who regularly goes on holiday with Messi and Roccuzzo, said on Instagram: "What publication is this that has no meaning.. and has nothing right."
The latest report follows on from tabloids in Messi's native country Argentina, who claimed he "is in love with a woman who is not Antonela". Speculation about it being a journalist intensified after an apparent "look" Messi gave her during last month's Ballon d'Or ceremony, where he was crowned an eight-time winner.
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The journalist in question also went viral at the last World Cup after giving a passionate speech to Messi in an interview before the Argentines went on to lift football's biggest prize in Qatar. "The last thing I want to tell you, and is not a question, but I just wanted to say; the World Cup final is coming and sure, we all [Argentinians] want to win the Cup," she told Messi following the semi-final win over Croatia.
"I just want to tell you that no matter the results, there's something that no one can take from you and that is the fact you resonated with Argentinians, every single one. I'm being serious. There's no kid who doesn't have your team shirt. No matter if it is a fake, real or made up one.
"Truly, you made your mark in everyone's life and that to me is beyond winning any World Cup. No one can take that from you and this is my gratitude for such amount of happiness you bring to a lot of people. I seriously hope you take these words into your heart because I really believe that's more important than winning a World Cup and you already have it, so thank you captain."
The reports claim that Messi and Antonela's marriage is at risk (Getty)The reports of an alleged affair also come following Messi's blockbuster transfer to the MLS, where he plays for Inter Miami. Messi and his young family appear to be happy in the Sunshine State - a lot happier than their two-year stay in Paris.
"People in this city and this club have made it easy for us," Messi said at a press conference following his move. "The fans, the people that I meet every day on the streets in the city we are now, it’s a spectacular city, and that’s why I can live with happiness.
"We are in that adaptation period, the kids are going to school soon, and that will help to get to the end of that adjustment, and get used to daily life. It’s only a small period to complete the adaptation, but it’s been much easier than we thought."