The situation was sparked by an interaction between Lionel Messi and Sofi Martinez during the 2022 World Cup, following Argentina's 3-0 semi-final victory over Croatia. Martinez interviewed Messi after the game and congratulated him on helping Argentina reach a World Cup final. The interview went viral and fans initially praised the reporter's honesty, but wider attention led some observers to misinterpret their dynamic.
Martinez revealed she received a message from Roccuzzo after accidentally finding herself in the spotlight. According to Daily Mirror - Sport, Martinez described that Roccuzzo told her not to worry and not to listen to nonsense, adding that she was thankful because she wasn't having a great time with the whole situation as people were making things up unfairly. According to Daily Mirror - Sport, Roccuzzo described dismissing the nonsense in her message.
I just want to tell you that no matter the results, there's something that no one can take from you, and it's the fact you resonated with Argentinians, every single one. I'm being serious. There's no kid who doesn't have your team shirt, no matter if it's a fake, real or a made up one. Truly, you made your mark in everyone's life. And that, to me, is beyond winning any World Cup. No one can take that from you and this is my gratitude, for the amount of happiness you bring to a lot of people.
Messi and Roccuzzo have been together since 2008, got married in Rosario in June 2017, and have three sons: Thiago, born in 2012, Mateo, born in 2015, and a younger son. The exact timing of Roccuzzo's message and Messi's public comment on the situation remain unknown.
Sofi, don’t worry, don’t listen to that nonsense.
There was no need for her to message me. But out of the blue, she messaged me saying: ‘Sofi, don’t worry, don’t listen to that nonsense.’ I’m thankful because I wasn’t having a great time with the whole situation. People were making things up or creating situations with no basis in reality. It was very unfair. And the fact that she sent me that message… It was reassuring.
I admire her. I’d love to be able to interview her at some point in the future.