Lionel Messi’s mum causes controversy by turning up to her son’s wedding in white dress as Barcelona star married Antonella Roccuzzo
Andrew Richardson
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LIONEL MESSI has married childhood sweetheart Antonella Roccuzzo in Argentina's 'wedding of the century' — but it was the Barcelona superstar's mum who made the headlines.
Lionel Messi's mum Celia Cuccittini arrives for son's wedding in white dressCredit: Getty Images
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Lionel Messi's mum Celia Cuccittini with dad Jorge Messi and sister Maria Sol MessiCredit: AP:Associated Press
However, Messi's mum Celia Maria Cuccittini appeared in a white frock — and was accused of trying to upstage the bride.
It was reported in Argentina that the two families had to book separate entire floors at the luxury hotel complex in Rosario as they are not on speaking terms.
In Argentina, it is considered extremely offensive for anyone other than the bride to wear white at a wedding.
But Cuccittini defied that tradition as she arrived on the red carped alongside husband Jorge Messi.
It had been rumoured in the build up to the ceremony that her dress would be "dark".
Messi, 30, and Roccuzzo, 29, looked over the moon as they finally tied the knot in front of their young sons Thiago and Mateo.
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Antonella Roccuzzo posted this picture of her and her new husband Lionel Messi on InstagramCredit: Instagram/@AntoRoccuzzo88
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Lionel Messi appeared with his Barcelona team-mate Neymar and former Barca pal Dani Alves at his wedding
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Lionel Messi gives the thumbs up after marrying childhood sweetheart Antonella Roccuzzo in Rosario, ArgentinaCredit: AP:Associated Press
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Lionel Messi and Antonella share a kiss on the red carpet as newlyweds after the marriage ceremony in Rosario, ArgentinaCredit: AP:Associated Press
The five-time Ballon d'Or-winner beamed as he enjoyed the special event with over 250 friends and family while a host of Barcelona stars from past and present were in attendance.
Premier League stars Cesc Fabregas and Sergio Aguero were present, while Barcelona legends Xavi Hernandez, Carles Puyol and Samuel Eto'o were also in town.
It has been reported guests have had mobile phones banned, staff sworn to secrecy and over 450 police officers have been brought in to manage the situation.
Argentinian media say there is tension between Messi's family and his bride Antonella.
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Lionel Messi and Antonella smile on the red carpet after completing their vows in front of family and friendsCredit: Reuters
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Lionel Messi gives a wave to the crowd and media at in RosarioCredit: Getty Images
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Pictures show Antonella's amazing wedding dress that had to be flown in especially from Spain by private jetCredit: Getty Images
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Lionel Messi and Antonella share a kiss after their wedding ceremonyCredit: Reuters
According to the , their relationship has been under strain for nearly seven years.
But it is believed the families have settled their differences for the wedding.
A menu which included steak, salad, sushi and pasta had reportedly been leaked for guests to feast their eyes on.
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Lionel Messi looked proud as he walked hand-in-hand with his new brideCredit: Getty Images
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Antonella's dress was from Madrid designer Rosa ClaraCredit: Rosa Clara
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Antonella's stunning dress is revealed in front of the cameras after the ceremonyCredit: Getty Images
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Former Liverpool forward Luis Suarez and wife Sofia dazzle on the red carpet after attending Lionel Messi and Antonella Roccuzzo's weddingCredit: Getty Images
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Sergio Aguero and his partner Karina TejedaCredit: AP:Associated Press
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Cesc Fabregas and stunnign wife Daniella Semaan pose for photosCredit: AP:Associated Press
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Xavi, Cesc Fabregas and Carles Puyol attended the wedding with their wivesCredit: Splash News
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Carles Puyol is dating model Vanessa LorenzoCredit: Splash News
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Xavi Hernandez and wife Nuria Cunillera attend the wedding of Lionel MessiCredit: EPA
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Ex-BarcelonaSamuel Eto'o married Georgette in 2007Credit: Getty Images
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Barcelona ace Sergio Busquets and partner Elena Galera on the red carpet in RosarioCredit: Getty Images
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Lionel Messi's mother Celia, father Jorge and sister MariaCredit: AP:Associated Press
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Lionel Messi and Antonella Roccuzzo were married on June 30Credit: Getty Images
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Lionel Messi and Antonella Roccuzzo tied the knot in their home-town of RosarioCredit: social media
Antonella Roccuzzo has known Messi since she was five years oldCredit: Instagram @antoroccuzzo88
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Javier Macherano hung out with Argentina team-mates ahead of the weddingCredit: instagram
Messi met Roccuzzo when they were just 13 years old and the pair have two children together, named Thiago and Mateo.
One of his team-mates, Andres Iniesta did not attend the wedding, while Gerard Pique’s partner Shakira performed as part of the evening’s entertainment.
Messi chose not to invite former boss Luis Enrique and his assistant Juan Carlos Unzue.
Also no members of the Barca board were invited due to a long-running rift between former president Joan Laporta and current president Josep Maria Bartomeu.
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Lionel Messi handed guests a gift box which includes Lionel Messi's own wineCredit: Splash News
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Former and current Barcelona stars posed for a photo on the runway
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Guests arrived at the wedding at the City Centre Hotel and CasinoCredit: Reuters
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The City Centre casino-hotel complex is expected to play host to Lionel Messi's weddingCredit: Getty Images
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This is the view of the luxury City Centre casino-hotel lobbyCredit: www.citycenter-rosario.com
