In the past few days, soccer star Lionel Messi has been in the spotlight of gossip newspapers in Argentina because of an alleged new romance - the athlete has been married to social media influencer Antonela Roccuzzo since 2017, and the couple has three sons.
Local media have claimed that after winning his eighth Ballon D’Or last month, Messi exchanged a romantic look with journalist Sofia Martinez from ESPN, who was about to interview him. Martinez had already interviewed Messi during the World Cup in Qatar won by Argentina and the two know each other.
Watch it:
Some Argentinian tabloids have gone as far as claiming that Messi “is in love with a woman who is not Antonela.”
The matter has caught the attention of fans all over the world and many discussed the subject online.
Martinez's denial
Martinez, however, put out a statement denying any romantic relationship with Messi.
Leo Messi in love?!View this post on Instagram
"Leo is on good terms with a lot of journalists, he smiles at them because they like him and he's a guy with a good vibe,” she said. “In my case, the difference is that I'm a woman, so people say and write all kinds of things. I'm sorry that it was taken in this direction.”
“I think this is one of the best moments of his career, so he's obviously happy and smiling after winning his eighth Ballon d'Or," she concluded.
The journalist also mentioned Messi's wife, Antonela.
"Like every Argentinian woman, I admire her,” Martinez said. “I had the opportunity to speak with her recently and we are on good terms. When I read these things, I simply could not believe it."
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram