Apart from being married to one of the greatest soccer stars, Antonela Roccuzzo continues her career as a businesswoman and media personality. However, her priority is taking care of her kids and making the most of her motherhood journey.
The mother of three recently opened up about her journey during a heartfelt interview with Vogue México y Latinoamérica. Antonela graced the cover of Juney and talked about the values she hopes to instill in her children, and how motherhood continues to shape her path, even as she branches into new professional projects.
“I want my children to have good values, to be respectful to others, to value things…” Antonela said about her sons Thiago, 12, Mateo, 9, and Ciro, 7, with Lionel Messi.
Despite their celebrity status, Antonela and Messi strive to raise their sons with humility and a strong moral compass. “It’s fundamental that they know we are not better than anyone else, and we try to pass on the same values our parents gave us,” she explained.
Antonela emphasized that they work hard to ensure their children feel like they are "kids like any other," even as they’re often recognized in public.
“They still do the same activities as other kids: birthday parties, sleepovers, sports, school… We want them to feel normal.”
The businesswoman highlighted her focus on gender equality, kindness, and emotional openness as she continues to raise her kids. “What’s most important to me is that they understand they must respect everyone. Respect is everything,” she said.
“It’s true I have three boys, but I believe it’s crucial to talk. At home, we talk a lot. Communication is vital. We discuss social media, we stay involved in their day-to-day, and we make sure to know what’s going on with them," Antonela continued.
Antonela is now embracing a more independent chapter. “Maybe I do feel freer,” she admitted. “I used to be in the role of supporting because my kids were little… and my priority was to be at home with them. Now that they’re older, I don’t feel as guilty and I’m more eager to do new things. I feel freer and more excited to make the most of the opportunities that come up.”
She also got emotional discussing her life in Argentina, as they are spending most of their time in Miami. “We’ve never stopped carrying our roots deep inside,” she said, reflecting on leaving Rosario to support Messi’s early career in Barcelona, and now in Florida.
“Leaving home so young was tough. Back then, we didn’t have the kind of connection we have today. I was without my family, without my friends—everything was new, different customs, I didn’t know anything,” she recalled.