Is Lionel Messi ready to get married to Antonella?

Barcelona star Lionel Messi is set to marry childhood sweetheart Antonella Roccuzzo in 2017, according to reports in his native Argentina. 

The couple have been an item since they were teenagers, and grew up together in the city of Rosario, Santa Fe province before Messi left for Catalunya at the age of 13.

Messi and Antonella have had two children, Thiago and Mateo, but until now had not walked down the aisle.

According to journalist Juan Pablo Varsky, however, that is all set to change, although sources close to Messi's family declined to confirm the news.

"The only thing I will say is that I found out by chance. But next year Argentina will be having a big party," the reporter revealed on his radio show on Wednesday. 

"It is richly deserved, too. Everyone is invited, and the place is Rosario. 

"I'm not sure on the date because there are three possible months. There is one strong possibility, but since I don't have it confirmed, I won't say. 

"Ladies and gentlemen, Antonella Roccuzzo and Lionel Messi are getting married! It's a world exclusive."