The scandal surrounding Sofi Martínez continues to grow, but this time it took an unexpected turn. Diego Leuco, her ex-partner and current host of La Peña de Morfi (Telefe), came out swinging to defend the journalist and put all the haters who attacked her on social media in their place. The trigger was Lionel Messi’s gesture in the mixed zone after the Argentine national team’s match against Cape Verde, which made the rumors of an alleged ban imposed by Antonela Roccuzzo look ridiculous.
«Hey, the gesture Messi had with Sofi Martínez at the end of the match cut off all the nonsense that was said,» Leuco said on his show, without mincing words. And he didn’t stop there: the host made it clear that the Argentine captain’s support was a direct blow to the criticism his ex received. Messi, in the post-match interview, was emphatic: «If I look at you, it’s because I look at you; if I greet you, it’s because I greet you,» he said with a laugh, defusing all speculation in one fell swoop.
But Leuco wasn’t the only one who backed Sofi. Carina Zampini, also a host of the show, joined the defense: «It’s not good everything that gets stirred up around a person who is doing her job. Sofi is an excellent professional and is extremely respectful,» she highlighted. And from the mobile unit in the United States, other members of the show made themselves heard. Claudio «Turco» Husaín, who worked with the journalist on Masterchef Celebrity, noted: «Yes, the gesture Messi had was spectacular. Messi is a guy who finds out about everything and knows how to handle the timing in every situation like no one else.»
Pepe Chatruc, for his part, shared a personal anecdote: «I studied sports journalism with Sofi and told her: ‘Messi doesn’t greet me,’ and she laughed. But having that kind of contact with Messi must be spectacular,» he assured. And commentator Pablo Giralt closed with a reflection: «Messi is enjoying this World Cup; he listens and stops for everyone. He is seen in a moment of absolute fulfillment.»
The controversy had erupted when some users on social media criticized Martínez for her coverage, and it was even said that Roccuzzo had forbidden Messi from greeting her. But the Argentine captain himself took care of debunking it with a gesture that did not go unnoticed. In the mixed zone, Messi approached the journalist, greeted her, and even joked, making it clear that there is no problem between them.
Meanwhile, the Argentine national team continues its path in the 2026 World Cup, and Messi shows that he is more relaxed than ever. Scaloni’s team is already qualified for the next phase, and the captain seems to enjoy every moment. But the noise around Sofi Martínez does not die down: the criticism and rumors continue, although now they have a luxury defender in Diego Leuco, who does not hesitate to put his chest to the bullets.
Watch the 2026 World Cup in the best quality
These are the most sought-after TVs to watch the national team. All with 12 interest-free installments:
- Smart TV Kanji 32″ LED HD – From $120,000 in 12 interest-free installments (VAFTS9-89J3)
- Smart TV LG 43″ 4K UHD WebOS – From $450,000 in 12 interest-free installments (VAFTS9-WXW9)
- Smart TV Samsung 50″ 4K UHD – From $600,000 in 12 interest-free installments (VAFTS9-VVE0)
Approximate prices. 12 interest-free installments subject to each seller. Look for the codes on Mercado Libre.
che flaco me tienen re podrido los haters de Sofi siempre atacando a las minas para mi es puro machirulismo de mierda Messi un capo por bancarla pero Antonela no tiene nada q ver dejen de inventar historias viva la libertad carajo y abajo los fachos q odian a las mujeres
Para mí es increíble que sigan jodiendo a Sofi Martínez, una laburante de verdad. Messi la saludó y se les acabó el cuento, como siempre. Los zurdos de mierda y los medios tibios atacan a cualquiera que no sea progre. ¡Messi es Gardel, carajo!