The story of Lionel Messi and Antonella Roccuzzo's love began at a very early age and is also one of solace in moments of despair.

Meeting when both kids, Messi nine and Roccuzzo eight, the future Ballon d'Or winner's interest in the girl cooled off when he travelled to Spain to sign for Barcelona.

However it was at the time of a tragic death of one of Roccuzzo's friends that she found solace in Messi, who was back in Rosario to visit his old neighbourhood.

From there, their relationship blossomed despite initially remaining over a long distance and on Friday the couple married in front of 260 guests in the Argentine city, including their two sons, Thiago and Mateo.