The wife of Lionel Messi has made her feelings crystal clear after Argentina were widely criticised following their World Cup final defeat to Spain. The two nations went head-to-head for football’s biggest prize last weekend, with Argentina hunting back-to-back titles and Spain chasing their second star. Eventually, an extra-time winner courtesy of Ferran Torres saw La Roja lift the iconic golden trophy.
Immediately after the final whistle, Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes sparked fury by attacking Spanish players as they wheeled away to celebrate. The vast majority of the squad also turned their backs as their rivals were handed the trophy, a gesture widely interpreted as a sign of disrespect. Earlier in the tournament, Argentina celebrated their semi-final win over England with a banner referencing the Falkland Islands, which proved highly controversial.
Those incidents, as well as their aggressive playing style throughout the World Cup, led to widespread criticism being aimed at Argentina in the wake of their defeat to Spain.
Messi’s wife, Antonela, also made her feelings clear by reposting a message from writer and media figure Connie Ansaldi.
It read: “Proud to be Argentine. Argentina is exactly like a family; we may disagree and quarrel amongst ourselves, but if someone from outside comes and insults us, we will tear out their liver.”
Antoneli also paid tribute to her husband following the World Cup in an emotional Instagram post.
She wrote: “You will always be the best, @leomessi. Not just because of your talent, but because you have never stopped being yourself.
“Because no matter what happens, you never give up; you always fight to the very end and give your all until the final second. That strength, that mindset, and the way you pick yourself up time and time again are what make you unique.
“Thank you for showing us every day that true success is built through hard work, sacrifice, and perseverance, without ever losing sight of who you really are.
“You are the best example for our children and an inspiration to millions of people. I admire you more than words can express, and I feel immensely proud to walk through life by your side. I love you so much.”