Lionel Messi's wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, has set social media alight after showing off her incredible physique in a bikini ahead of Argentina's World Cup 2026 opener. The long-time partner of the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner is backing him during his joint-record sixth appearance at the summer tournament.
Antonela's Steamy Post
The 38-year-old struck a pose in an eye-catching leopard print bikini on a sun lounger and covered her face with a brown hat designed by Ukrainian fashion house Ruslan Baginskiy. Supporters in the comments section were quick to praise her tanned and sculpted figure. Fellow WAGs Sofia Balbi, the wife of Luis Suarez, and Elena Galera, the wife of Sergio Busquets, posted heart emojis beneath the snap, which has now been liked more than 2.3 million times.
World Cup Campaign
The current World Cup champions begin their campaign at 2am UK time on Wednesday against Algeria. Despite all the attention surrounding Messi, it's Antonela who has been making waves thanks to her latest Instagram post. Antonela is anticipated to be at Kansas City Stadium for Argentina's opening match, with Messi poised to make history simply by taking to the field.
With Cristiano Ronaldo and Guillermo Ochoa also featuring in their sixth World Cup tournament, Messi will become the first player to officially appear in all six. Portugal is in action on Wednesday evening, and Ochoa provides cover for Mexico's Raul Rangel.
Records in Sight
The remarkable records keep coming for the 38-year-old, who will reach 200 caps for Argentina should he take to the pitch against Algeria. Having already netted 13 World Cup goals, he sits just three behind the all-time record held by Germany's Miroslav Klose. Following Argentina's final friendly against Iceland, Messi admitted he doubted he'd be able to play in the 2026 tournament.
He said: "There had been doubts because of what I said at the previous World Cup, that I thought it would be difficult for me to play in another one because so many years had to pass." He described himself as "excited as ever" with the tantalising prospect of Argentina becoming the first nation since Pele's Brazil sides of 1958 and 1962 to retain the World Cup crown. He added: "But I kept feeling good and taking things day by day. I had the opportunity to play, get into rhythm, get minutes on the pitch and gradually feel better. It happened naturally. I'm happy, enjoying every moment and now I'm also as excited as ever."
