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Football Insider

Lionel Messi: Unveiling the Man Behind the Legend

Embark on a journey to unravel the layers of Lionel Messi's private life as he candidly discusses his peculiarities and struggles with fame, therapy, and family dynamics.

Lionel Messi: Unveiling the Man Behind the Legend

Lionel Messi has admitted he is "weirder than sh*t" in a revealing interview about his private life and previously getting therapy. The Inter Miami star, who has tended to stay away from the limelight and do his talking on the pitch, has spoken about what home life is like with his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, and why he sought help for his mental health at Barcelona. The Argentine international is arguably the greatest player of all time, but for one who garners so much attention, the 38-year-old has always come across as a shy and reserved character, eager to avoid taking up too many column inches. And when his work is done on the football pitch, the former Paris Saint-Germain ace seeks a modicum of normality. He said in July 2025: "Obviously, when I enter into my house, with my family. I try to be a normal dad, a normal husband, like anybody else, assuming the responsibilities we all have, as a father, as a husband, and be a normal person. I am beyond everything else that happens to me — the fame [and] the recognition — I may have outside. Inside my house, I am a very normal person, like anybody else. I discipline the children, I put limits, play and share with them, with my wife and I live a very normal life as well."In an interview with Argentine channel, Luzu, Messi revealed that he likes nothing better than enjoying some alone time, especially after enjoying a tiring period with his children. The 2022 World Cup winner also admitted he is a bit of an oddball. He said, via Marca: "I'm weirder than sh*t. I really like being alone, I enjoy being alone. The mess at home with the three kids running around everywhere ends up saturating me and I like a moment of solitude. I'm very structured, if I have the day organised in a certain way and in the middle something happens that changes everything for me."When asked what things made him feel strange, he referred the question to his partner."Antonella can say many more things than I can, it depends on my mood on many things, on small stupid things," he said.Messi became a worldwide phenomenon when he rose to fame at Barcelona, winning multiple Champions Leagues, La Ligas, and Ballon d'Ors, among other trophies. But all that fame, pressure, and attention got to him as he tried to adjust to superstardom. He added, "I don't do therapy now. At the time I did, in Barcelona. I'm a lot of eating things myself, keeping problems to myself. I changed a lot. In sports, I talk a lot with my dad. In that sense, it was always my old man. I would finish with my old man and write to him. In the day to day, with my family. I really like being alone, I enjoy being alone. When the kids are running around the house, there's a lot of noise."Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reportingAs 2026 progresses, Messi has his sights set on having another successful season at Miami after their first-ever MLS Cup triumph, while trying to help Argentina defend their World Cup crown, this time in North America. Messi's Miami contract runs until 2028, and they are due to kick of their 2026 campaign away at LAFC on February 22.

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Unveiling Messi's Home Life with Wife Antonela Roccuzzo

Lionel Messi, known for his brilliance on the football pitch, opens up about his endeavors to lead a normal life off the field. Despite being a global superstar, Messi strives to maintain a sense of normalcy and routine within his household, sharing the joys and challenges of being a father and husband alongside his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo.

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The Revelation of Messi's Eccentricity and Struggles

In a candid interview, Messi boldly declares his idiosyncrasies, embracing his need for solitude and structure amidst the chaos of family life. Opening up about his past experiences with therapy at Barcelona, the football icon sheds light on the pressures and challenges that come with superstardom, highlighting the importance of seeking help and support when needed.

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Navigating Fame, Family, and Mental Health

From conquering the football world to grappling with the burdens of fame and expectation, Messi reflects on his evolution as a person and player. Despite his extraordinary success, the Argentine maestro offers a glimpse into his vulnerabilities and coping mechanisms, emphasizing the significance of family, communication, and self-care in his journey towards self-discovery.

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The Road Ahead for Messi and Miami

As Lionel Messi embarks on a new chapter with Inter Miami, he sets his sights on further success in the MLS and aims to guide Argentina to World Cup glory once again. With his Miami contract extending until 2028, Messi's unwavering dedication to both club and country exemplifies his enduring passion for the beautiful game and his relentless pursuit of excellence.

Published on Jan 7, 2026