Even at the age of 39, Lionel Messi has been the dominant force of this World Cup in his new home of the United States. He has dazzled billions of fans across the globe as he desperately tries to lead his beloved Argentina to back-to-back titles.
Messi has scored eight goals in five matches so far, including a stunning hat-trick against Algeria and a vital goal in his nation's blistering late 3-2 comeback win over Egypt on Tuesday.
But while he's mangnetized to center stage on the soccer field, an insider has told The Daily Mail how much Messi tries to avoid the limelight in his personal life - even going as far as to label him a 'recluse' while glamorous wife and childhood sweetheart Antonela Roccuzzo, 38, keeps a far busier calendar.
A source said: 'When he goes out, it's always very orchestrated. Not in a forced way, but it's very well-planned. And while his wife is very social, he is not. His wife is always locked in, launching something or doing something.'
That's not to say, though, that there is any tension in their relationship - even after recently Messi hit out at rumors linking him and a journalist in Argentina.
Messi and Antonela are a rare example of a harmonious marriage that has ednured unrelenting attention for over 20 years. Messi is worshipped like a God by his fanatical fans who raise their hands and bow in celebration when he scores.
That level of fame, our source reveals, is the biggest factor in keeping Messi away from the bright lights near his Miami home.
'I know it's not the language barrier [that keeps him away from social events],' the source said of the Spanish-speaking footballer.
'He's a family man. He's got the kids, he goes to work, he comes home, he rests, he practices. He'll pick and choose the right times to show face. He's invited to a lot, but attends very little.
'Two years ago, in Miami, there was "The Messi Experience", which was a virtual reality depiction of his life, and it was done [in collaboration] with his father. He never even went because he didn't want to go out.'
Messi has a close bond with father Jorge, who also operates as his agent and de facto business manager, overseeing his multi-million dollar empire off the field. Jorge had some health struggles as the World Cup began and Messi left the field in tears after his hat-trick against Algeria to start the tournament.
Jorge has since been discharged, returning to Argentina to continue his recovery.
Messi and Antonela share three sons: Thiago, 13, Mateo, 10, and Ciro, 8. The family were in Atlanta for his last game, where he inspired a three-goal comeback in the last 10 minutes against Egypt to secure a quarterfinal against Switzerland on Saturday.
But after last Friday's 3-2 win over Cape Verde, Messi had another score to settle by directly confronting the speculation linking him to Argentine television reporter Sofi Martinez.
'If I look at you, they ask why I'm looking at you. And when I greet you, they ask why I'm greeting you,' Messi said to her while giving interviews after the game.
Antonela, who married the 2022 World Cup winner in their hometown of Rosario in June 2017, made a touching tribute to her husband following the Egypt win.
She shared a sweet Instagram post honoring the forward, writing, 'Let's go Argentina. @leomessi there are no words left'
Antonela also shared a photos of herself posing in a VIP suite, showing off her husband's surname on her jersey and a powder blue Hermes Kelly bag.
She may have been generally known as the supportive wife of a legendary football player from 2017, but she has since established her own path as a successful businesswoman.
Today she's a philanthropist, a multi-millionaire influencer in her own right, a children's fashion label owner and a model - having worked with several fitness brands and companies including Adidas and Stella McCartney.
She had also initially intended to pursue a career in dentistry, though she gave that up to be at the Argentina striker's side as he started his journey via Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and now Inter Miami to become one of the world's richest and finest footballers.
At 39, Messi is worth an estimated $1.1billion and in the twilight of his career even if his World Cup performances make him look evergreen.
He is starting to think about life after soccer and where his family will spend the next chapter of their lives.
The insider revealed he is seriously considering laying down more permanent roots in Miami, where his social circle has grown thanks to the help of 'connector' David Beckham - a co-owner of Messi's Miami team.
The source explained Messi - who 2023 bought a $10.75million mansion in Fort Lauderdale - has forged relationships with several influential people in Miami through his wife, while the very social Beckham has also helped.
They continued: 'I think it's possible he may stay in Miami if he settles into the right place.
'I think he's working on finding the best neighborhood for him to live in, and I think maybe now he's found that in [Fort Lauderdale] Broward County. He definitely didn't feel that way in Miami-Dade County.
'I think he likes Broward because it's quieter and more away from the "scene".'
Many have always thought Messi would end his career playing for his boyhood team in Argentina, Newell's Old Boys.
But for now, the biggest stage of all is in his sights as he stands just three wins away from a second consecutive World Cup title.