Lionel Messi’s wife forced to follow strict rules after landing in Saudi Arabia with family

Lionel Messi’s wife Antonela Roccuzzo reportedly had to comply with strict rules when visiting Saudi Arabia.

According to report, Roccuzzo, 35, had to follow several regulations when visiting the Middle Eastern country. Women are required to dress modestly, avoiding tight-fitted clothing and see-through necklines.

The abaya (a loose overgarment cloak) is no longer deemed compulsory in public. Roccuzzo opted to wear jumpsuits during the visit but also dressed in the expected decorum.However, there have been improvements to the rights and freedom of women in Saudi. They’re now allowed to vote and have no separate entrances to restaurants.

Lionel Messi, 35, is an ambassador for the Middle Eastern country’s tourism and reportedly earns around €25 million per year doing so.

He, Antonella Roccuzzo, and their three children paid Saudi Arabia a visit last week. It was the third time Messi did so in the past year but was met with major backlash from his club Paris Saint-Germain.

The legendary forward has been slapped with a two-week suspension for the unauthorised trip.

Nevertheless, the Argentine icon was contractually obliged to visit the country. He posted a snap of a scenic view of palm trees to his 458 million Instagram followers. He captioned it: “Who knew Saudi has so much green? I love to explore its unexpected wonders whenever I can #visitsaudi.”

The minister of Saudi tourism Ahmed Al Khateeb welcomed Lionel Messi, Antonela Roccuzzo and their children to the Middle Eastern country. He posted images of the family enjoying Saudi culture, visiting animals and civilians on his Twitter account. He captioned the snaps: