Lionel Messi’s life is usually narrated through goals, records, and silverware. Yet at the beginning of 2026, the spotlight gently shifts away from stadiums and scorelines toward something far more personal. In Rosario, the city that shaped the Messi family long before global fame arrived, a quiet but meaningful celebration is about to take place.
On Friday, January 3, María Sol Messi will reportedly marry Julián “Tuli” Arellano in a private ceremony attended by close family and friends. It’s an event intentionally kept low-profile, but it carries emotional weight for those inside Messi’s tight-knit inner circle.
© Getty ImagesChoosing Rosario as the setting is no coincidence. For María Sol and Julián Arellano, this city is not symbolic. It is foundational. Both grew up in the La Bajada neighborhood in southern Rosario, where friendships were forged early, and family ties ran deep. They shared childhood gatherings, overlapping social circles, and the ordinary moments that quietly build lifelong bonds.
Long before international careers and transatlantic flights entered the picture, their relationship was shaped by familiarity and trust. That sense of home is central to the wedding itself, which reflects intimacy rather than spectacle.
Who Is Julián Arellano
Julián Arellano, known by friends as “Tuli,” is far more than a name linked to soccer royalty. He is a soccer professional who has built his career patiently, starting in Rosario and expanding his path beyond Argentina. Currently, Arellano works as part of the youth coaching staff at Inter Miami, where he serves as an assistant coach in the Under-19 category. His move into the U.S. soccer system was not sudden, but rather the result of years of involvement in the sport and relationships built on credibility.
One of those relationships is with Lionel Messi. Their bond predates Messi’s MLS era and is rooted in personal trust rather than professional convenience. That connection helped Arellano navigate opportunities abroad, but his continued role within Inter Miami’s youth system reflects ongoing confidence in his work.
A Career Under the Microscope
Arellano’s coaching journey began in Rosario, where he gained early experience before relocating overseas. According to La Nacion, Florida, he became part of a technical project that delivered competitive results. Under his coordination, the youth team achieved notable performances in the South Division of the Florida United Premier Soccer League.
As is often the case in competitive soccer, success invited scrutiny. Arellano faced criticism from certain corners of the sporting world, a familiar reality for anyone operating within high-pressure environments. Still, his steady presence within the club suggests that results and internal evaluations outweighed outside noise.
Beyond the pitch, Arellano maintains a public Instagram profile with more than 63,000 followers. His posts blend professional moments with glimpses of personal life, including travels frequently alongside María Sol. The tone remains relaxed and authentic, without chasing spectacle.
María Sol Messi’s Discreet Path
María Sol Messi has always chosen a quieter lane. While her surname guarantees attention, she has consistently kept her personal life away from constant exposure. Her focus has been on creative and entrepreneurial projects rather than public appearances.
© LatinContent via Getty ImagesShe is the founder of Bikinis Río, a women’s swimwear brand that reflects her personal style and business vision. The brand has grown steadily, driven more by design and consistency than celebrity hype.
Support for the venture has come from within the family. Antonela Roccuzzo publicly praised a special capsule collection on social media, congratulating her sister-in-law and calling the designs beautiful. It was a simple message, but one that resonated as a genuine show of encouragement.
© AFP via Getty ImagesFrom Guest to Family
Julián Arellano’s integration into the Messi family became visible years ago. One symbolic moment came on June 30, 2017, when Messi personally invited him to his own wedding. For those close to the family, that gesture confirmed what had already been quietly established.
Now, Arellano steps into a new role within that circle.
