Argentinian Journalist Sets the Record Straight on Lionel Messi Affair Rumors

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Cutting through the gossip with the real story on Messi

Argentinian sports journalist Sofi Martinez has addressed and dismissed recent rumors linking her romantically to soccer legend Lionel Messi, calling the claims “ridiculous.” The rising star in sports broadcasting spoke out during a heartfelt appearance on the popular Argentinian show PH: Podemos Hablar.

A Journalist’s Journey Under the Spotlight

Martinez has gained widespread recognition for her outstanding coverage of Argentina’s national soccer team and international events like the Olympics, Formula One, and the Champions League. Her emotional interview with Messi during Argentina’s 2022 World Cup victory catapulted her into viral fame, but it also sparked unfounded gossip about her relationship with the soccer icon.

Fans speculated about a romantic connection after noticing supposed “flirtatious glances” during their interviews, despite Messi’s well-documented love story with his wife of seven years, Antonela Roccuzzo.

An Argentine sports reporter has shutdown suggestion that she has had an affair with Lionel Messi. Journalist Sofi Martinez has told of the pain that "ridiculous" rumours have caused her and her family. Rumours of an affair between Martinez and Messi stretch back to 2023.
-theSun pic.twitter.com/FEt9buxezP

— Professional Foul (@ProFouled) January 7, 2025

Speaking Out Against the Rumors

During her Podemos Hablar interview, Martinez opened up about how the baseless rumors have affected her and her loved ones. “When your exposure grows, it often brings challenges, and my family has suffered a lot,” she shared. She expressed frustration at being dragged into what she described as a “ridiculous” narrative and noted that her gender made her an easy target for speculation.

“If Andy Kusnetzoff [the show’s host] looked at Messi the same way, no one would think twice. But because I’m a woman, it becomes a story,” Martinez pointed out.

Sofi Martinez has given her side of the story. pic.twitter.com/x4Tz0rzqQt

— SPORTbible (@sportbible) January 7, 2025

Clarifying Relationships and Praising Antonela

Martinez also took the opportunity to praise Messi’s wife, Antonela, who has often been dragged into the drama by rumor mills. “I don’t know where these claims come from,” she said, emphasizing her admiration for how Antonela gracefully handles the intense scrutiny that comes with being married to a global superstar.

The couple’s love story began in their hometown of Rosario, Argentina, where Messi met Antonela as a child. Their relationship blossomed over the years, leading to a fairytale wedding in 2017 and a family of three sons.

Martinez’s Personal Life

For those wondering about her personal life, Martinez made it clear in a recent interview with Canal 9 that she is currently single. She ended her relationship with journalist Diego Leuco in late 2023 and has laughed off further rumors linking her to other public figures.

A Call for Respect

As she continues to shine in her career, Martinez hopes the focus will shift back to her professional achievements rather than baseless gossip. Her story is a reminder that women in the public eye deserve to be celebrated for their work, not reduced to tabloid headlines.

For now, Sofi Martinez remains steadfast in her mission to cover the world’s biggest sports moments, all while inspiring the next generation of journalists to stand tall in the face of unwarranted rumors.