The 2026 World Cup is underway, and Lionel Messi is playing in the tournament as the first man to play in six different World Cups. At 38, it can very much be his last – and he’s making it count. On Monday, he set a new record, and no one seemed prouder than Antonela Roccuzzo.
After Argentina’s win over Austria in Arlington, Texas, Lionel scored his 17th career FIFA World Cup goal and officially became the tournament’s all-time leading scorer.
In the stands watching it happen were his wife and three kids. The proud partner shared a sweet tribute on Instagram to celebrate with a gallery of photos.
“What a privilege to see you make history again and again,” she wrote in Spanish. In the mix were family photos, including one of her smiling in front of the field with the couple’s three sons, Thiago, 13, Mateo, 10, and Ciro, 8. They all proudly wore matching Argentina jerseys. “I love you,” she continued.
Lionel’s record-breaking goal came in the 38th minute after he slipped behind Austria’s defense, giving Argentina a 1-0 lead and pushing past Miroslav Klose for the most World Cup goals in history.
The moment comes amid a difficult week for Lionel. Just days earlier, the Messi family released a statement after rumors were circulating on social media that his father, Jorge Messi, had passed away at the age of 68. “The Messi family wishes to inform the public that Jorge is currently facing a health situation. At this time, he remains under medical supervision, recovering and showing favorable progress within the scope of his condition,” they wrote.
© GETTYMessi has continued to deliver under pressure throughout this tournament. His performance has been incredible, making a point early in the tournament when he scored a hat trick against Algeria in Argentina’s opening group-stage match.
He was visibly emotional, with cameras catching him in tears after his first goal.
© Steph Chambers – FIFAAs the tournament continues, fans are wondering who will be the athlete who wins the Golden Boot. The trophy is given at the end of the tournament to the player who scores the most goals. Messi is currently leading the pack with 5 goals in two games.
The other players in the race with high odds to win are Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappé, and Harry Kane.
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