The soccer world is brilliant, but sometimes it can turn a little negative, with wild rumors by the media often affecting many athletes. Recently, Lionel Messi, who is one of the best players ever to play the sport, was accused of cheating on long-term partner Antonela Roccuzzo. It came as a surprise, as Messi is known as a very loyal and family-oriented person.
It was reported that Messi is in a secret relationship with an Argentine journalist by the name of Sofi Martinez. However, it was later confirmed to be fake rumors by many, with no reliable sources mentioned. And now the journalist herself has opened up about the affair allegations.
Sofi Martinez discusses Lionel Messi affair reports
Sofi Martinez first entered the soccer limelight when she conducted an emotional interview in the 2022 Qatar World Cup. It was after Argentina beat Croatia 3-0 in the semi-finals, and she thanked Lionel Messi for his contributions to the team and to his fellow countrymen. It was very passionate and it connected well with the feelings of many fans around the world.
Since then, her prominence has only risen, and she has gained many followers on social media. She also got to interview Messi one more time when he won his 8th Ballon d’Or award. However, with fame also come negative rumors and stories. The alleged affair of her and Messi damaged her reputation somewhat and earned her some hate from the fans.
Sofi Martínez recordó la empatía que tuvo Messi con su entrevista en el Mundial de Qatar 2022 ⚽🇦🇷 #PodemosHablar pic.twitter.com/VU6upVZST4
— telefe (@telefe) December 31, 2023
On New Year’s Eve, she presented a TV show where she acknowledged her recent rise to fame. She also spoke about how the fake affair allegations has harmed her and her family. According to Argentine outlet Pronto, she said, “My family suffers a lot, more than me. I try not to look. This year this ‘che que onda’, ‘how he looks at you’ thing started to sound louder.’
She also confirmed the rumors are absolutely fake, “I feel ridiculous having to go out and clarify something. I think of Messi or Antonela listening to what I may say, as if saying ‘what an idiot’, there’s no need.”
Lionel Messi celebrates New Year with family
Lionel Messi, however, has never been bothered by the rumors, with neither he nor Antonela nor any of his close family members commenting on the matter. Instead, he has been living his best life with his family since he is on holiday with the MLS season off for Inter Miami.
He spent New Year’s with his family, his wife Antonela and their three sons. He shared three pictures on his Instagram handle, and they all seem to be enjoying the start of the new year. He wrote the caption, “Feliz 2024 !!” and his post has garnered many likes and comments already. Antonela also wrote in the comments, “Beautiful my whole life”. This seems to further downplay the rumors of the alleged affair between Messi and Sofi Martinez.
Lionel Messi will be able to enjoy more time with his family, though he will be spurred back to action with Inter Miami soon, as their first game of the new season will be a friendly against El Salvador on January 20.
