Lionel Messi’s wife Antonela Roccuzzo forced to follow strict rules after landing in Saudi Arabia with family - Reports
Lionel Messi's wife Antonela Roccuzzo reportedly had to comply with strict rules when visiting Saudi Arabia.
According to SportBible, Roccuzzo, 35, had to follow several regulations when visiting the Middle Eastern country. Women are required to dress modestly, avoiding tight-fitted clothing and see-through necklines.
The abaya (a loose overgarment cloak) is no longer deemed compulsory in public. Roccuzzo opted to wear jumpsuits during the visit but also dressed in the expected decorum.
However, there have been improvements to the rights and freedom of women in Saudi. They're now allowed to vote and have no separate entrances to restaurants.
Lionel Messi, 35, is an ambassador for the Middle Eastern country's tourism and reportedly earns around €25 million per year doing so. He, Antonella Roccuzzo, and their three children paid Saudi Arabia a visit last week.
It was the third time Messi did so in the past year but was met with major backlash from his club Paris Saint-Germain. The legendary forward has been slapped with a two-week suspension for the unauthorised trip.
Nevertheless, the Argentine icon was contractually obliged to visit the country. He posted a snap of a scenic view of palm trees to his 458 million Instagram followers. He captioned it:
"Who knew Saudi has so much green? I love to explore its unexpected wonders whenever I can #visitsaudi."
The minister of Saudi tourism Ahmed Al Khateeb welcomed Lionel Messi, Antonela Roccuzzo and their children to the Middle Eastern country. He posted images of the family enjoying Saudi culture, visiting animals and civilians on his Twitter account. He captioned the snaps:
#WelcomeMessi to Diriyah, the land of traditions, heritage and history. Leo Messi, his wife Antonella and his sons Mateo and Ciro had an enjoyable tour where they learned about the history of Saudi and met its generous and hospitable people in At-Turaif. https://t.co/vna7y63m2u
Lionel Messi and Antonela Roccuzzo's Saudi visit could be followed by PSG departure
Lionel Messi and Antonela Roccuzzo's trip to Saudi has led to uproar at PSG, with ultras demanding he leave the club. A video of fans hurling abuse outside the club's headquarters about the Argentine icon went viral on social media.
Messi's future was uncertain amid his contract expiring at the Parc des Princes at the end of the season. There was an expectation that he would sign a renewal following the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
However, talks over an extension reached an impasse. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reports that Messi will be leaving the French club. Any chances of a last-minute change of heart have all but been ended by his trip to Saudi.
Messi's relationship with Parisians fans is now a tumultuous one. It remains to be seen how he will be reintegrated back into the side following his suspension.