Lionel Messi addressed long-standing rumours about his relationship with journalist Sofi Martinez with a light-hearted joke following Argentina's 3-2 victory over Cape Verde in the FIFA World Cup 2026. The defending champions secured their place in the Round of 16 with the win, and Messi, who scored a goal and provided an assist, was named Player of the Match.
Messi's humorous exchange in the mixed zone
In a video that quickly went viral on social media, Messi greeted Martinez with a hug in the mixed zone and joked, "If I look at you, they'll say why did you look, and if I greet you, they'll say why did you greet her." The remark directly referenced months of online speculation and rumours suggesting a romantic link between the football superstar and the journalist, as well as claims that his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, was unhappy with their interactions.
Martinez responded with a smile, saying, "I appreciate what you said, and thank you for your words." Fans praised the cordial exchange, with many noting that Messi's humour effectively brushed aside the rumours without giving them undue attention.
Match analysis and Messi's comments
Speaking about the match, Messi praised Cape Verde's spirited performance and admitted Argentina had been pushed harder than expected. "We knew it was going to be a very tough game. It is no coincidence that this team had not lost to Spain or Uruguay," he said, adding that knockout matches leave little room for error.
Messi also acknowledged his team's shortcomings, stating that Argentina must learn from their mistakes despite advancing. "Beyond just advancing, there are positives, but we also need to correct the mistakes, of which there were many today," he said.
Social media reaction
The interaction between Messi and Martinez generated widespread discussion online. The video was shared thousands of times, with users commenting on Messi's ability to handle the situation with humour. Many also noted that the exchange appeared to put an end to the rumours, as both parties handled it gracefully.
