BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA: Cesc Fabregas' wife, Daniella Semaan, defended Lionel Messi, denying the reports of a Brazilian outlet that claimed the football legend cheated on his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, with an Argentinian journalist, reported Daily Mail.
Direto Do Miolo, a Brazilian news source, posted to X on November 25 alleging Messi and Roccuzzo are facing the "biggest crisis" in their 15 years relationship, and they are on the verge of separation because of his affair with Argentine journalist Sofia Martinez.
Semaan, a close friend of the couple who regularly goes on holiday with them, slammed the report in a reply to an Instagram post. She said, "What publication is this that has no meaning.. and has nothing right."
X has flagged the information as obsolete as the Spanish and international sources the outlet referred to are not cited and appear to be non-existent.
Messi and Raccuzzo have known each other since early childhood and tied the knot in 2017. They have three sons: Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro.
Who is Sofia Martinez?
According to her LinkedIn profile, Martinez is a sports journalist at Televisión Pública an Argentinian public broadcast service. She made headlines during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, which Argentina won.
While interviewing Messi after their semi-final victory over Croatia, she spoke passionately about how grateful Argentinians are for having him represent the country.
"I just want to tell you that no matter the results, there's something that no one can take from you, and that is the fact you resonated with Argentinians, every single one. I'm being serious, " Martinez said to Messi.
"There's no kid who doesn't have your team shirt. No matter if it is a fake, real or made up one. Truly, you made your mark in everyone's life and that to me is beyond winning any World Cup," the journalist added.
Reports of Lionel Messi's alleged affair started last month
After the Ballon d'Or ceremony on October 30, tabloids in his native country, Argentina, alleged the Inter Miami star of an extramarital affair. The reports said he "is in love with a woman who is not Antonela." Many speculated the woman in question was Martinez.
Speculations intensified when fans claimed that Messi gave the journalist an apparent "look" during an interview at the Ballon d'Or ceremony.
Despite the rumors, Messi and his family appear to be happy in Florida since his blockbuster transfer to MLS club Inter Miami.
