Lionel Messi ‘will always be the best’, says emotional Antonela Roccuzzo after World Cup heartbreak

Lionel Messi’s wife Antonela Roccuzzo has paid a powerful and emotional tribute to the Argentina captain after their World Cup final defeat to Spain, insisting “you will always be the best, Leo Messi”.

Argentina lost 1-0 after extra time, and while debate rages over Messi’s international future, Roccuzzo chose to highlight his character, resilience and legacy in a heartfelt Instagram post that has resonated widely among fans.

‘You never give up, whatever happens’

Posting to her millions of followers, Roccuzzo praised her husband’s attitude more than his record-breaking talent.

She wrote: “شكرا لك لانك تظهر لنا كل يوم ان النجاح الحقيقي يقوم على العمل الجاد والتضحية والمثابرة، وعلى الا ننسى ابدا من نحن حقا”.

She continued: “ستظل دايما الافضل، ليو ميسي. ليس فقط بسبب موهبتك، بل لانك بقيت دايما وفيا لنفسك. لانك – مهما حدث – لا تستسلم ابدا؛ فانت تقاتل دايما حتى النهاية وتبذل قصارى جهدك حتى اللحظة الاخيرة”.

Roccuzzo stressed how Messi’s perseverance after setbacks sets him apart, especially at a time when the disappointment of another World Cup final defeat could have overshadowed his achievements.

‘A unique person’ and a role model for millions

In her message, Roccuzzo underlined the personal qualities she believes have made Messi a global icon.

“This strength, this spirit, and your constant ability to get back up after every defeat make you a unique person. انت خير قدوة لاطفالنا ومصدر الهام لملايين الناس”.

The couple, who have known each other since childhood in Rosario, Argentina, married in 2017 and have three sons – Thiago, Mateo and Ciro Messi.

Roccuzzo ended her post with a declaration of admiration and pride: “انا معجبة بك اكثر مما يمكن للكلمات ان تعبر عنه، وانا فخورة للغاية بان اسير معك في رحلة الحياة. احبك كثيرا”.

A record-breaking international career

Messi’s latest World Cup final comes deep into one of the most remarkable international careers in football history.

The Argentina captain made his senior international debut in the summer of 2008 against Hungary. What followed was a record-breaking journey: 206 international appearances and 125 goals, including 21 at World Cups.

He finally lifted the World Cup trophy with Argentina in 2022, adding to Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024.

Those honours arrived after one of the lowest points in Messi’s national-team career. In 2016, following another major final defeat, he announced his retirement from international football. But he reversed that decision just two months later, returning to the Albiceleste “out of love for his country and his shirt”.

Questions over Messi’s Argentina future

The latest loss has inevitably reignited speculation over whether Messi will continue with the national team.

His future for Argentina remains undecided, with “many indications”, according to local reports, that he could finally step away from the international stage.

For now, however, Roccuzzo’s message has shifted the narrative from trophies and statistics to character and inspiration presenting Messi not just as a serial winner, but as a figure defined by resilience, loyalty and the ability to rise after every fall.