Lionel Messi's wife Antonela celebrates him on 38th birthday
Lionel Messi turned 38 on Monday, and while the football world honored one of its greatest icons, his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, added a touch of humor and heart that stole the spotlight.
In a viral Instagram post, Antonela playfully dubbed Messi the "Grumpy Old Man", sharing a sweet photo of the Inter Miami star posing with a Smurf-themed birthday cake. The caption read:
“Happy Birthday Grumpy Old Man! Best dad, best partner, best everything!!! How lucky are we to have you! We love you.”
The post, shared with her 39.9 million followers, was an instant hit, drawing love from fans across the globe and showcasing once again the warm, playful bond the couple shares.
A love story rooted in Rosario
Messi and Antonela’s journey is one of football’s most beloved love stories. The pair met as children in Rosario, Argentina, when Messi was just five years old. Antonela, cousin to Messi’s childhood friend Lucas Scaglia, remained in Messi’s life even after he left for Barcelona at age 13.
Their bond persisted across the years and continents, eventually blossoming into a romance in their late teens. By 2008, they were publicly together, though always keeping a low profile amid Messi’s meteoric rise.
In 2017, they sealed their lifelong bond with a star-studded wedding in their hometown—an event dubbed the "wedding of the decade" in Argentina.
Together, Messi and Antonela have built a beautiful life, raising three sons: Thiago, 12, Mateo, 9, Ciro, 7. Antonela gives fans a glimpse into their private life, often posting candid moments of Messi embracing fatherhood. Whether it’s family vacations, school events, or lazy afternoons at home, Messi’s role as a devoted dad is often the highlight of her feed.
From Ballon d’Ors to World Cup glory, Messi’s career has been legendary. But through it all, Antonela has remained his anchor — celebrating his victories, standing firm in challenges, and keeping the family grounded amidst global stardom.
And on his 38th birthday, she reminded everyone that even legends have nicknames — and Smurf cakes.
Happy Birthday, Grumpy GOAT! 🐐💙
SportsLigue