Messi's face under scrutiny: aesthetic controversy on the eve of the most anticipated tournament

As the 2026 World Cup approaches, Lionel Messi finds himself under an unexpected spotlight, not for his legendary soccer skills, but for his appearance. A doctor's claim that the Argentine captain has undergone over six cosmetic procedures in recent years has ignited a firestorm on social media.

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The doctor Celeste Nardanone ignited the fuse by ensuring that the captain of the Argentine National Team would have undergone more than six aesthetic retouchments over the last few years, detailing one by one the procedures that, according to her professional analysis, could be seen on the face of the Ten.

These allegations, detailing perceived changes in Messi's face, quickly went viral. However, the speculation was met with a swift and strong rebuttal from Messi's wife, Antonela Roccuzzo. The model and entrepreneur publicly denied the rumors, defending her husband's image and drawing a line against the invasive speculation.

Roccuzzo's response only intensified the online debate, with fans and users worldwide taking sides. The controversy has become a global trend, arriving at a critical moment as the world anticipates what could be Messi's final World Cup appearance. Regardless of the outcome on the field, the Argentine icon continues to capture global attention.

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The reaction of Antonela did nothing but fan the flames.

Meanwhile, Argentina, the defending champions, have been drawn into Group J alongside Algeria, Austria, and Jordan. This group is considered favorable, positioning the team as strong contenders to advance. The team's journey begins on June 16 against Algeria, followed by matches against Austria on June 22 and Jordan on June 27. Notably, Messi's 39th birthday falls on June 24, during the group stage, adding a personal milestone to the team's quest.

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Within or outside the field, the greatest player in history never stops making headlines.