Lionel Messi addressed long-standing rumors regarding his relationship with journalist Sofía Martínez during a mixed zone interview following Argentina’s victory over Cabo Verde, which secured the team’s place in the 2026 World Cup round of 16. The Argentina captain used irony to dismiss claims that he or his inner circle had influenced players to avoid the reporter, stating, “Then they say I don’t greet you, that I look at you or I don’t look at you. If I look at you, it’s because I look at you; if I greet you, it’s because I greet you.”
Why did Lionel Messi address the rumors about Sofía Martínez?
Messi spoke out to shut down speculation that had resurfaced during the tournament. According to reports, rumors had circulated in the week prior suggesting that certain members of the national team were avoiding interviews with Martínez due to pressure from Messi’s entourage, with some claims specifically naming his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, as the source of an informal veto.
The controversy intensified after a video surfaced from an interview between Martínez and defender Facundo Medina following the match against Algeria. In the footage, Medina turned away during a farewell hug, leaving Martínez with her arm extended. Entertainment programs utilized the clip to support a narrative that the journalist was being marginalized within the “Scaloneta” camp.
Martínez responded to Messi’s comments by attempting to pivot back to the match, stating, “Let’s go to what we like most, which is our work,” while adding, “Thank you, I value it a lot.” Later, she clarified that the “noises” generated during the week were senseless and that Messi was under no obligation to clarify the situation, though he chose to do so to confirm there is no conflict.
How did the controversy between Messi and Sofía Martínez begin?
The roots of the tension trace back to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Following Argentina’s semifinal victory over Croatia, Martínez delivered an emotional interview with Messi. During the exchange, Messi maintained prolonged eye contact in silence for several seconds. The moment went viral, and Martínez later noted that such a reaction was unusual for the player, suggesting he had been moved by her words.
This professional interaction sparked social media speculation regarding a romantic interest between the two, leading to unfounded rumors involving Roccuzzo. In December 2023, Martínez publicly denied these claims in statements recorded by LA NACION, describing the situation as “ridiculous” and expressing a sense of embarrassment over having to address the rumors.
In April 2024, Martínez revealed that Antonela Roccuzzo had contacted her privately to offer support. According to the journalist, Roccuzzo wrote, “Sofi, don’t worry… pay no attention to the nonsense” (translated from “A la gilada ni cabida”). Martínez emphasized that Roccuzzo had no obligation to reach out, but the message arrived during a period of significant emotional exhaustion for the reporter.
What have other journalists said about the marginalization claims?
Journalist Gastón Edul defended Martínez, criticizing those who promoted the narrative of her being sidelined. Edul stated that such stories are created by “people who only seek to cause harm because they are frustrated with their own lives,” adding that these individuals attack those who succeed and prepare themselves.
Another journalist involved in the debate echoed this sentiment, arguing that Martínez is a highly competent professional and that efforts to discredit her are often rooted in gender bias, stating, “Many people discredit her simply for being a woman, and that is very unfair.”
Argentina now prepares for the round of 16 stage of the 2026 World Cup. The team’s next opponent and match schedule will be confirmed by FIFA following the conclusion of the group stage.
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