Antonela Roccuzzo Stars On Her First US Magazine Cover Wearing Tiffany & Co.

GETTING TO KNOW THE REAL ANTONELA.

It’s a year of firsts for Antonela Roccuzzo: it’s her first official year as a Miami resident, her first time wearing the diamond pavé Tiffany & Co. Graduated Link necklace, and, most importantly, her first-ever magazine cover.

Reflecting on the day I met our cover star Antonela Roccuzzo at the beginning of her first Miami summer, the word ‘grace’ first came to mind. There’s no denying that Roccuzzo has a lot on her plate: she is a mother of three young boys; she is the wife to arguably the world’s most famous soccer player — Leo Messi — and she has amassed a following of over 40 million followers on Instagram, where they can admire her style, beauty, and fitness routine. Yet, with what would seem like the weight of the world on her shoulders, it is with a grace I have never seen before that she meets life. She is polite in her demeanor, poised, and incredibly present.

This cover shoot is a big deal. Not only is it Roccuzzo’s first magazine cover, but she is also a bit shy — though shy is not to be confused with mundane. Living life in the spotlight, it’s only natural to prefer a bit of recluse. In fact, Roccuzzo is a powerhouse — it’s her inspiring humility that reads shy. After spending the day with her, I was left in awe, asking myself how does she do it all? How does she shoot her first-ever magazine cover in the world’s most beautiful Tiffany & Co. diamonds, then leave set to go straight to her family who has just arrived from Argentina to spend the week at Disney World with her kids?

The answer is simple: it’s the Antonela way. To define her is impossible, but whether she knows it or not, there is such a thing as the Antonela way — it is an inner calmness, an inner strength, and an ability to handle situations with utmost dignity. We sit down with Roccuzzo for her first interview, in which she reveals the real Antonela Roccuzzo.

HAUTE LIVING: Let’s start at the beginning. What was it like growing up in Rosario, Argentina?

ANTONELA ROCCUZZO: It was very familiar. I have a large family, and I grew up with my parents, sisters, cousins, and grandparents. It’s [actually] what I miss the most — being away from them and not being able to enjoy each other’s presence.

HL: What were your passions growing up? Was there a career you always wanted to pursue?

AR: I wanted to be an odontologist (the study of teeth and their structure, development, and disease); I began studying in Rosario, but I didn’t graduate for a number of personal reasons. Today, I’m dedicated to something completely different, but one thing for sure is that you always have to do what makes you happy and fulfills you.

HL: What are some facts people wouldn’t know about you?

AR: I’m a very family-oriented person; I love my routine and having everything well-organized. I’m punctual and always try to be respectful of others’ time, which I highly value. I’m a big fan of reading; Harry Potter is my favorite. I also enjoy building Lego sets; we have a collection at home. And, of course, spending time with my family.

HL: You have such a beautiful family, and you have all remained so down to earth in the spotlight. How have you managed that as a woman, a mother, and a wife? How do you find balance?

AR: My balance is my family. In good and bad times, we’re always there to celebrate each other’s successes and support each other when things don’t go well.

HL: To you, what are the core values of raising a family?

AR: Humility, respect, helping one another, and being a team.

HL: You have been part of so many monumental moments with Messi (like winning the 2022 World Cup); what are those moments like for you?

AR: Those moments are filled with nerves, but the most beautiful part is that we experience those things all together as a family, and my children can make great memories. Having lived through these moments from day one makes them unforgettable.

HL: You’re now a South Florida resident; how has that transition been?

AR: It has actually been very easy, and we’re all happy about it. Our main concern was that the kids might not like it or adjust well, but from day one, they adapted very well.

HL: What do you like most about South Florida? What are some of your favorite restaurants, activities, and places to shop?

AR: We love being able to enjoy outdoor activities (when it’s not too hot), to spend the day at the beach or to do an “asado” at home with friends. If we can, we also enjoy getaways to Orlando to visit Disney or Universal and have fun with the kids. As for restaurants, I’m still discovering many, but I really like Casadonna, Gekko, Mandolin, and Casa Tua.

I am not a big fan of shopping, but I find the Design District very appealing. Beyond clothing stores, there’s a great mix of shops. They all decorate their storefronts and interior spaces uniquely, and it’s always worth having a look. Everything is outdoors, and there are cafés, restaurants, and even art galleries. With its speakeasy, the new Tiffany & Co. boutique is a prime example of that.

HL: What has surprised you the most about living in Florida and your husband playing for Inter Miami CF?

AR: What I love the most about Miami is the climate, the people, and the landscape — all this makes you feel like you’re living in perpetual summer. The biggest surprise for us was the warm welcome we received when we arrived. We knew it would be special, but it exceeded all our expectations.

HL: What does a day in your life look like?

AR: My daily life is quite normal. We wake up early, take the kids to school, and then I head to the gym or try to engage in some physical activity. The rest of the morning and day is dedicated to work. If I have any meetings, events, or work commitments, I try to schedule them while the kids are at school. In the afternoon, I focus on spending time with them. We attend their extracurricular activities, have an early dinner, and then it’s bedtime.

HL: What’s your ideal day with your family and, conversely, your ideal day by yourself?

AR: An ideal family day would be getting together with everyone, spending time with friends, and having an “asado.” As for a day alone, I can’t even remember the last time I had an entire day to myself! But I would say that exercising, reading, and watching a movie would be perfect.

HL: How would you describe your personal style?

AR: It has evolved over the years, and being surrounded by fashion professionals has helped me understand what suits me, which pieces are worth investing in, and how to build a solid wardrobe. If I had to describe my style, it would be laid-back, casual, and with comfortable fabrics. I like my outfits to really reflect who I am.

HL: How did your partnership with Tiffany & Co. begin? How has it been working with the brand?

AR: It has been and continues to be a dream. I’ve always admired the brand, and having the opportunity to work with them and the team at Tiffany & Co. is incredible.

HL: Do you have any favorite Tiffany & Co. pieces?

AR: I love the Victoria collection. It’s perfect for special occasions, and it’s made of pieces that you never have to take off. For everyday wear, I also really like the Lock collection. I think both Victoria and Lock pieces are very versatile: they can be worn with casual outfits or paired with something more formal.

HL: Looking ahead, what are some personal goals for the next year or so?

AR: On a personal level, I’d like to continue working with brands I admire and that trust me. I want to keep learning and improving every day. Additionally, I’d like to bring more visibility to the social projects I’m involved in and do whatever I can to support them. As for my family, I hope we continue to grow together and enjoy our time with the kids.

HL: Looking back, what advice do you wish you could give to your younger self?

AR: Trust yourself, follow your instincts, and always stay close to your family. Finally, I’d also like to express my gratitude once again to the entire magazine team, to Tiffany & Co., and to my own team for believing in me and giving me this opportunity. It has been a wonderful experience, and I hope we can repeat it in the future.

BY: ADRIENNE FAUROTE

PHOTOGRAHY: DIEGO MENDOZA

STYLING: JULIANA REBELO

HAIR STYLIST: DAFNE EVANGELISTA AT PEECHY GROUP

MAKEUP ARTIST: CAROLINA BANEGAS AT PEECHY GROUP

PHOTO ASSISTANT: JR ROJAS

STYLIST ASSISTANT: OLIVIA STEWART