Missus Messi, the first lady of football

– Celebrity magazines have dubbed brunette mother-oftwo Antonella Roccuzzo “the first lady of football” – her man, Lionel Messi, is widely considered the best player on the planet.

Showbiz and football stars were set to attend their wedding yesterday in the couple’s hometown of Rosario, Argentina.

But friends here in their home city in northern Argentina insist the two are humble folk who have never forgotten where they come from. Seen as a man of few words, the millionaire Barcelona striker lets his feet do the talking – and his bride in public says even less.

Diego Vallejos, a childhood friend and neighbour of the Messis, told AFP the couple met aged nine and Messi “fell in love forever at first sight” with Roccuzzo.

At yesterday’s wedding Roccuzzo wore a dress by Spanish designer Rosa Clara. She has been photographed in dresses by the designer at various footballing functions. – AFP