LIONEL MESSI will have his wife Antonella Roccuzzo cheering him on tonight as the superstar aims to save Argentina’s World Cup dreams.

The 30-year-old, who tied the knot with the Barcelona legend in May 2017, has watched the Albiceste’s dreadful campaign in Russia from the couple’s homeland in her birthplace of Rosario, Santa Fe.  

Argentina are hoping to arrival of the star's wife in Russia will inspire him to produce the magic and keep their World Cup dream alive Photo Credit : GETTY IMAGES

But she will be in St Petersburg for the crunch showdown with Nigeria that Messi and Co must win following their draw with Iceland and woeful 3-0 defeat to Croatia.

Argentina are desperately hoping the arrival of Antonella will help inspire their talisman following a disappointing showing so far, which includes a missed penalty in their opening game.

The partner of arguably the greatest-ever footballer explained her absence from the tournament last week.

Antonella said: “I did not go because I have very young children and because it was scheduled like this.

Roccuzzo and Messi got married in Argentina in May 2017

She has missed her hubby in action so far in Russia to remain in Argentina visiting her family

Messi and his team-mates have flopped dramatically so far at the World Cup Photo Credit : ALAMY LIVE NEWS

Antonella Roccuzzo has been a regular at Argentina matches in the past

Lionel Messi heads straight down the tunnel as Argentina’s World Cup hopes in tatters

“Moreover, I want to enjoy some time with my family who I am not going to see until December.”

If Messi produces the goods and manages to secure Argentina’s passage into the knockout stages then Antonella's support will not be the only thing the South American nation have to thank her for.

El Confidencial claim she talked her husband out of quitting the World Cup.

The Spanish publication claim he arrived at the tournament with an “intestinal squeeze” and that problems between the forward and coach Jorge Sampaoli began to increase following the 1-1 draw with Iceland.

This article originally appeared on : The Sun