Lionel Messi and his wife Antonela Roccuzzo are embracing life in the United States, while their beloved dog Hulk remains a long-distance memory, staying behind in Europe rather than joining them in Miami. Hulk, a Bordeaux Mastiff, arrived in the Messi household in 2016 as a striking symbol of the family’s affection for large, gentle giants. This breed is known for its colossal size, often standing tall enough to be noticed in any room and weighing as much as a small adult. When Hulk first appeared in public, Messi described him as a cherished new family member and thanked Antonela for the thoughtful gift, a moment that highlighted the deep bond they share with their pets.
Over the years, Hulk has become a fixture in their stories and photos, a living emblem of the family’s home life. Yet, logistics and everyday demands have kept Hulk in Europe rather than traveling with the Messis across the Atlantic. A recent conversation with Migue Granados on OLGA revealed the decision behind Hulk’s continued stay in Spain. Messi explained that Hulk is still in Barcelona because the dog is a bit older now, and the family simply could not bring him along to Florida at this time. The plan is to settle Hulk in their Barcelona residence, a comfortable setup where the dog can live out his days in familiar surroundings.
According to Messi, Hulk faces a natural life expectancy well within a five to eight year window for his breed. That reality adds a layer of tenderness to the situation, as the family contemplates the days they have left with this remarkable creature. The Mastiff now enjoys care from the staff at the Messi home in Castelldefels, a quiet suburb near the Catalan coast, roughly twenty kilometers from the club’s famed stadium. The arrangement ensures Hulk remains safe, well tended, and surrounded by the routines that have kept him content through the years.
From the perspective of the Messi children—Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro—the separation between the east coast of the United States and the old family home in Catalonia is a reminder of how a global lifestyle can shape family dynamics. While the boys are experiencing life in Miami, the distance to Hulk is measured in thousands of miles, a reminder that sometimes love for a pet means choosing moments of absence to preserve health and stability for the whole family. The possibility of future visits remains on the horizon, especially given the family’s frequent travels that have previously linked Europe with France during appearances with Paris Saint-Germain. Hulk’s quiet presence in Barcelona stands as a constant, a link to the roots that helped form Messi’s extraordinary career.
In the larger picture, Hulk is a symbol of the personal choices that accompany life at the pinnacle of football. The Bordeaux Mastiff’s size and temperament command attention, yet the dog’s demeanor is described as gentle and affectionate, a fitting counterpart to a family known for its warmth and togetherness. The decision to keep Hulk in Spain reflects both practical considerations and emotional ties, ensuring that the dog continues to receive the care and comfort he has always known while the family manages a transatlantic lifestyle that inspires countless fans around the world. The story of Hulk resonates as a quiet note amid the high-energy world of sports stardom, a reminder that even exceptional athletes share in the ordinary joys and challenges of pet ownership and family life.
Ultimately, Hulk’s story travels alongside the Messi family in a way that speaks to the realities of modern celebrity life. Pets stay connected to home even when their humans roam far and wide, and in Hulk’s case, Barcelona remains a familiar harbor where he can live out his twilight years in the warmth of a well-loved family that cares deeply for him. This arrangement allows Messi and his loved ones to continue their adventures while knowing Hulk remains safe and cherished in the city that has long felt like a second home. The family’s commitment to Hulk underscores a broader truth: the bond between people and their dogs can bridge continents and endure despite miles and months apart.
Attribution: Goal