Lionel Messi's wife Antonela Roccuzzo revealed her true character by sending a private message in support of the woman accused of flirting with her husband. She rejected claims of any inappropriate conduct and backed sports journalist Sofi Martinez, who had unwittingly become the subject of online speculation. It all began with an exchange between the football legend and Martinez during the 2022 World Cup. Shortly after Argentina's 3-0 semi-final triumph over Croatia, where Inter Miami star Messi had netted the opener from the penalty spot and set up Julian Alvarez for the third goal, Television Publica reporter Martinez praised him on guiding the nation to a World Cup final.

As the interview concluded, the journalist ended with a heartfelt message for Messi. "I just want to tell you that no matter the results, there's something that no one can take from you, and it's the fact you resonated with Argentinians, every single one," she said. "I'm being serious. There's no kid who doesn't have your team shirt, no matter if it's a fake, real or a made up one. Truly, you made your mark in everyone's life. And that, to me, is beyond winning any World Cup. No one can take that from you and this is my gratitude, for the amount of happiness you bring to a lot of people."

Supporters initially applauded the reporter's candour as the interview went viral. However, the widespread coverage also prompted some onlookers to mischaracterise the relationship between the footballer and the journalist.

Martinez has since disclosed that she received a message from Messi's wife Antonela after inadvertently finding herself thrust into the limelight. The reporter was battling to handle the speculation when Antonela made contact, demonstrating her compassionate nature.

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During a recent appearance on the A Punto show for Pisco TV, Martinez recalled: "There was no need for her to message me. But out of the blue, she messaged me saying: 'Sofi, don't worry, don't listen to that nonsense.'

"I'm thankful because I wasn't having a great time with the whole situation. People were making things up or creating situations with no basis in reality. It was very unfair. And the fact that she sent me that message... It was reassuring."

Sharing her thoughts on Antonela, Martinez added: "I admire her. I'd love to be able to interview her at some point in the future."

Messi and Antonela have been a couple since 2008 and tied the knot in their hometown of Rosario in June 2017. They welcomed their first son Thiago in 2012, followed by Mateo in 2015, and their youngest child Ciro in 2018.

Meanwhile, Martinez previously disclosed the strain that the speculation had placed upon her and her family. In December 2023, she stated on PH Podemos Hablar: "A lot of the time when your exposure increases, it brings things that aren't so good and my family suffers a lot.

"This year, people began to talk more and more about, 'What's up with the way he looks at you', things like this, and I was caught in the middle of something that made me feel ridiculous to have to clarify."

Nearly four years after the viral interview, Messi will be hoping to guide his nation to World Cup triumph once more this summer. The 38 year old has scored 116 goals in his 198 appearances for Argentina, including seven at the Qatar tournament in 2022.