In a shocking turn of events just before the holiday season, Lionel Messi’s younger sister, Maria Sol Messi, has been involved in a serious car accident in Miami, forcing the postponement of her highly anticipated wedding. The 32-year-old, who has largely stayed out of the public eye despite her brother’s global fame, reportedly fainted while driving, causing her to lose control of her vehicle and crash into a wall. She is now recovering in her hometown of Rosario, Argentina, after being transferred from Miami for rehabilitation.

Maria Sol sustained multiple injuries in the single-vehicle incident, including fractures to two vertebrae, her heel, and wrist, as well as significant burns. Family sources, including her mother Celia Cuccittini, have confirmed she is out of immediate danger but faces a lengthy recovery period. The accident has cast a shadow over what was meant to be a joyous family gathering, with the Messi clan rallying around her during this difficult time.

The wedding, originally set for January 3 in Rosario—the same city where Lionel married childhood sweetheart Antonela Roccuzzo in 2017—was to be an intimate celebration attended by the entire family. Maria Sol’s fiancé, Julián “Tuli” Arellano, is a coach for Inter Miami’s under-19 team, adding a poignant connection to Lionel’s current club. The couple, who have been together for over a decade, met as teenagers in Rosario’s La Bajada neighborhood, much like Lionel and Antonela. Their long-standing relationship, rooted in shared hometown memories, was poised to culminate in marriage, but health must come first.

Maria Sol has carved her own path away from football’s spotlight. A talented entrepreneur and designer, she previously served as brand manager for The Messi Store, Lionel’s lifestyle clothing line, collaborating with figures like Virginia Hilfiger. She later launched her own successful bikini brand, Bikinis Río, showcasing her independence and creative flair. Despite occasional public appearances with the family, Maria Sol has maintained a low profile, focusing on her business ventures and personal life.

The news broke through Argentine media, highlighting the close-knit nature of the Messi family. Lionel, currently enjoying the off-season after leading Inter Miami to MLS glory, has not made a public statement, but reports indicate the family is prioritizing Maria Sol’s well-being. Her transfer back to Rosario allows her to rehabilitate surrounded by loved ones, including Lionel, Antonela, and their children.

This incident serves as a reminder of life’s unpredictability, even for those connected to one of the world’s biggest stars. Fans worldwide have sent messages of support, wishing Maria Sol a speedy recovery. The wedding postponement, while disappointing, underscores the family’s unity in facing adversity. As Maria Sol heals, the couple’s love story—born in humble Rosario beginnings—promises a brighter chapter ahead once she regains full strength. The Messi family, known for resilience on and off the pitch, will undoubtedly emerge stronger from this ordeal.