Image courtesy: Leo Messi/ Instagram
Lionel Messi, regarded as one of the greatest soccer players in history, owes much of his success to his supportive and close-knit family. Growing up in Rosario, Argentina, alongside his three siblings—Rodrigo, Matías, and María Sol—Messi’s upbringing was deeply rooted in family values and love for soccer. Despite his global fame, Messi remains deeply connected to his family, who have played an integral role in his life and career.
The Messi Family in Rosario
Messi’s childhood in Rosario, Argentina, was shaped by his parents, Jorge and Celia Cuccittini, and his siblings. The family lived in a modest two-story house in a residential neighborhood near the Paraná River. Soccer was a shared passion, and Messi often played the game with his brothers Rodrigo and Matías.
When Messi moved to Spain at the age of 13 to join FC Barcelona, his family temporarily relocated to support him during the transition. Over time, his mother Celia and siblings returned to Argentina, while his father Jorge stayed in Spain to manage Messi’s burgeoning career.
Rodrigo and Matías: Key Figures in Messi’s Career
Messi’s brothers, Rodrigo and Matías, have been instrumental in shaping his career.
- Rodrigo Messi: As part of Messi’s management team, Rodrigo helps oversee his schedule and publicity. He has also collaborated with Kin Partners, a sports management company.
- Matías Messi: Matías has been involved with the Leo Messi Foundation, handling personal and philanthropic affairs. He’s also shown his deep admiration for his brother by tattooing Messi’s face on his right arm.
Both brothers have balanced their professional roles with family life, raising children of their own.
María Sol: The Fashion Entrepreneur
Messi’s younger sister, María Sol, has carved out her own niche in the family, taking a leadership role in Messi’s fashion brand, The Messi Store. As the brand manager, she collaborates with industry experts like Virginia Hilfiger, sister of designer Tommy Hilfiger.
María Sol described her role in an interview, saying, “I try to channel the brand’s vision and be the link between the ideas, the work we carry out, and the way Leo himself, as the brand ambassador, thinks and dresses.”
In addition to her work at The Messi Store, María Sol collaborated with Bikinis Rio to launch a swimsuit collection in 2022.
Family First: Messi’s Enduring Bond
Despite their individual pursuits, the Messi siblings remain deeply connected. Messi has often spoken about his love for his family. In a 2018 interview with Marca, he said, “I love football and I live for it, but family is above all.”
The family frequently gathers for special occasions, including Christmas, often in their hometown of Rosario. Messi’s parents and siblings attended his wedding to Antonella Roccuzzo in 2017, a celebration that underscored their closeness.
In December 2023, Messi and Antonella were seen in Miami with María Sol and his Inter Miami teammate Sergio Busquets, further showcasing their tight-knit bond.
The Messi Family’s Social Media Presence
Messi and his siblings share glimpses of their personal lives on social media.
- Rodrigo and Matías often post family photos and express their unwavering support for Messi.
- María Sol shares updates about her fashion ventures and collaborations.
- Messi himself occasionally shares family moments, such as a touching photo with his parents and siblings during his recovery from COVID-19 in 2022.
Famous Cousins: A Soccer Legacy
The Messi family’s soccer legacy extends beyond Lionel. His cousins, Maxi and Emanuel Biancucchi, also pursued careers in professional soccer. Sons of Messi’s aunt, the Biancucchi brothers played alongside Lionel, Rodrigo, and Matías during their childhood in Rosario.
- Maxi Biancucchi: Played for teams across Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, and Paraguay before retiring.
- Emanuel Biancucchi: Currently plays for Resende FC in Brazil.
Conclusion
Lionel Messi’s rise to global stardom is a story of immense talent, hard work, and an unbreakable family bond. From his early days in Rosario to becoming a soccer legend, his siblings—Rodrigo, Matías, and María Sol—have been a constant source of support, both personally and professionally.
While Messi dazzles on the pitch, his family remains the foundation of his success, embodying his belief that “family is above all.” Whether it’s managing his career, running a fashion brand, or simply sharing cherished moments, the Messi family continues to be an integral part of his incredible journey.
