Lionel Messi set to marry Antonella Roccuzo today in Argentina

Barcelona star player and Argentina international, Lionel Messi will be getting married his childhood sweetheart in his hometown in Argentina on Friday.
The five time Ballon d’ior winner will be wedding Antonella Roccuzzo in the city of Rosario, whom he met there before he moved to Spain when he was only 12 years.

Messi met Roccuzzo, a cousin to his best friend, Lucas Scaglia, when he visited Scaglia’s home and soon started spending more time there just to see his bride to be.

Argentine newspaper Clarín has called it “the wedding of the year” and even “the wedding of the century.”

The 30-year-old world-rated footballer and his bride, 29-year-old Antonella Roccuzzo have been in the relationship since 2008.

Around 250 guests are expected to attend, including Messi's Barcelona teammates Neymar, Gerard Pique and Luis Suarez. Colombian singer Shakira, who is married to Pique, is also expected to be there, although rumour has it that shakira declined because of a rift between her and Roccuzzo .

Extra police officers have been detailed to ensure security is maintained around the hotel, while a private security firm will work inside to keep out any potential gate crashers.

Around 150 journalists have received accreditation to enter a special press area, but will not have full access to the venue, said organisers.

Barcelona pitched Messi at age 13 on condition that they cover medical expenses for treatment for his growth hormone deficiency.

He has spoken about the difficulties he faced on leaving behind his loved ones and former club.

The couple, who now live in Barcelona, have two sons together.

The event will take place at Rosario’s City Center hotel complex, which has an adjoining casino.

Roccuzzo is expected to wear a dress by Rosa Clara, a Barcelona-based designer who has dressed actress Eva Longoria and Spain’s Queen Letizia.

Aside from a “sushi station”, the menu is a very Argentine affair, including empanadas (traditional pasties) and all parts of the cow, from a casserole of sweetbreads to blood sausage.

Teammates from Argentina’s national team, including Sergio Agüero, will also be present.

Clarín reported that he has not invited any of his recent coaches, including Pep Guardiola, who is now at Manchester City.

According to the local press, Diego Maradona- Argentina’s other big football legend, is also not on Messi’s guest list,.

Messi is known locally simply as Lío; and he has been a local hero since his days as a star player for Newell’s Old Boys.

The team has a staunch rivalry with nearby Rosario Central, similar to that of Boca Juniors and River Plate in Buenos Aires.