Lionel Messi and his wife Antonela Roccuzzo have publicly defended Argentine football reporter Sofi Martinez against unfounded rumours of an affair with the Paris Saint-Germain star. The gossip, which resurfaced during the 2026 World Cup, prompted Messi to confront the issue directly after Argentina's last-32 victory over Cape Verde.
Messi Mocks Rumours After Match
Following Argentina's hard-fought win, Messi made a beeline for Martinez, who works for Telefe, and in front of dozens of reporters, said with a smile: "When I look at you, they ask why I'm looking at you. And when I greet you, they ask why I'm greeting you." Martinez responded: "These are all lies." The exchange was captured on camera and widely shared.
Antonela Roccuzzo Sends Supportive Message
Martinez revealed that Roccuzzo, Messi's wife and mother of his three children, reached out to her privately during the swirl of rumours. The message read: "Sofi, don't worry, ignore the nonsense." Martinez has previously spoken about the toll the rumours have taken on her family, telling Argentina's Podemos Hablar show: "A lot of the time when your exposure increases, it brings things that aren't so good and my family suffers a lot." She added that being caught in the middle of such speculation made her "feel ridiculous to have to clarify."
Gender-Based Targeting Alleged
Martinez believes she has been targeted because of her gender. A colleague, speaking anonymously to German outlet Bild, said: "Sofi is a very calm person. She wants nothing to do with this whole drama. Messi's life is so orderly that some people simply have to invent scandals."
Messi's World Cup Focus
On the pitch, Messi has been in scintillating form, scoring seven goals in the group stage to bring his World Cup tally to 20. The 39-year-old is leading Argentina's charge in what is likely his final World Cup. Argentina face Egypt in the last 16 on Tuesday at 5pm BST, with a potential semi-final clash against England on the horizon.
