Messi relaxes with wife Antonela as he takes break from training after leading Argentina to World Cup quarter finals

Posted Monday, December 05, 2022 by Thesun.co.uk

LIONEL MESSI celebrated Argentina's qualification to the 2022 World Cup quarter-finals by spending some quality time with the family.

Paris Saint-Germain superstar Messi led the Albiceleste to a 2-1 win over Australia on Saturday as he opened the scoring before Manchester City ace Julian Alvarez sealed the win.

Lionel Messi enjoyed some down time with his wife Antonella Roccuzzo

The Argentina captain's wife Antonella Roccuzzo shared a snap on her Instagram account showing her enjoying some down time with her husband in Qatar after his recent triumph.

Antonella also posted a pic of her and the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner along with their sons Thiago, 10, Mateo, 7, and Ciro, 4.

The Argentine issued the following caption: "Momentos [moments]."

The presence of Messi's family in Qatar has played a critical role in the star forward's performances on the pitch.

The 35-year-old is determined to finally win his first World Cup with Argentina as this could be his final appearance in the esteemed tournament.

And the Barcelona legend revealed his children are inspiring him along the way, especially now that his eldest son Thiago is old enough to experience his dad's magic.

Messi said: “From the beginning to the final whistle I was thinking about my family.

“My children especially, as they are growing older and understand more.

“We have had families before at World Cups - Thiago has been there but wasn’t aware what it meant.

“I now see how they suffer and enjoy it. It’s something spectacular.

“They are excited as all Argentinians - it’s amazing to share this with them.”