Lionel Messi officially announced his farewell to the Argentine national team after more than two decades wearing the national team jersey. Immediately after that, Antonela Roccuzzo shared a letter to her life partner on her personal page.
Not mentioning too much about Messi's titles or records, Antonela focused on what she had witnessed during her husband's journey.
I am so proud to be with you on this journey and witness you realize your dreams," Antonela wrote.
For her, Messi's more than 20 years of international career has not only moments of raising the trophy. It is also the journey of a person who has experienced failure, pain and disappointment many times but always stands up to continue.
Antonela recalled the years of witnessing her husband fighting for the Argentine jersey, from difficult matches to major tournaments. She also witnessed Messi go through times that seemed impossible to overcome. But after all, he continued.
What made Antonela even more touched was that her three children Thiago, Mateo and Ciro had grown up along with their father's journey. The children witnessed Messi playing, failing, returning and pursuing dreams that he had never given up on.
In particular, the moment Messi and Argentina won the 2022 World Cup in Qatar became a special memory for the whole family.
Perhaps one day the children will truly understand how great their father's story is. Today, the children are simply proud of their father," Antonela shared.
Behind Messi's moments of raising titles, Antonela and her children are also silent companions. They are present in the stands, witnessing important matches and sharing both joy and sadness with him.
In the letter, Antonela not only called Messi a great player. For her, the most proud thing is also the person behind the spotlight.
I am proud of you, of the path you have taken, of everything you have overcome and above all of the person behind each moment," Antonela wrote.
The message shows the perspective of a wife who has accompanied Messi for most of his adult life. Antonela knows the pressures, failures and sacrifices that outsiders can hardly see behind the limelight.
She also emphasized her happiness to be able to experience those special moments with Messi.
It's a privilege to live all these things with you. We love you so much," Antonela concluded the letter.
After more than 20 years, Messi has closed his journey with the Argentine national team. But for Antonela, this is not just the day a player says goodbye to the national team jersey.
That is the milestone closing a special chapter in the life of the man she has known since childhood, witnessing him go through failure, tears and finally fulfilling his biggest dream.
