Lionel Messi was spotted enjoying a peaceful boat ride with his wife Antonela Roccuzzo on a quiet lake in Spain as he continues his recovery from a persistent foot injury. The football legend, dressed casually in shorts and a cap, looked relaxed as he gently paddled the boat, while Antonela smiled alongside. Witnesses said Messi looked “calm and happy”, enjoying a rare break from the pressures of football. Fans were quick to share the photos online, praising Antonela’s presence as always bringing Messi peace. Despite the injury, the romantic trip proves the couple’s relationship is stronger than ever.

Lionel Messi is making the most of his post-World Cup break, enjoying a spot of jet-skiing in sunny Ibiza with his family.

Messi is being afforded an extended rest by Barcelona following his exploits with Argentina, where they reached the last-16 of the tournament before falling to eventual winners France.

The 31-year-old superstar is on holiday with his wife Antonella Roccuzzo, their three children and Daniella Semaan, the partner of his former Barcelona team-mate Cesc Fabregas.

Lionel Messi relaxes with his wife Antonella Roccuzzo and Daniella Semaan (left) on holiday

Messi went paddle-boarding in the Spanish sea as he soaked up the sun during his holiday

Messi was pictured on a paddle board with his family as he took a well-earned break ahead of the start of the new La Liga campaign.

Close friends since childhood, Messi and Roccuzzo married last year in a lavish ceremony and have three sons together – Thiago, Mateo and Ciro.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner was previously spotted enjoying some downtime in Formentera, the smallest Balearic Island which is reachable by boat from Ibiza.

Messi is expected to link back up with the Barcelona squad by the end of the month, when he will be joined by Spain stars Gerard Pique, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets.

Messi takes time out in the sea in Ibiza while his partner Roccuzzo relaxes on board

The 31-year-old went paddle-boarding as he enjoyed some water sports in sunny Spain

Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde gave all four players permission to take a month off after the World Cup, though they have the option to return beforehand.

When the Spanish domestic season resumes next month, Messi will be the unrivalled star of La Liga following Cristiano Ronaldo’s £100million move to Juventus.

For the best part of a decade, Messi and Ronaldo’s rivalry defined football but the Portuguese has now left Real Madrid for the Serie A giants.

Argentina supporters are hoping Russia 2018 was not the last time Messi plays in the blue-and-white shirt at a World Cup, but he will be 35 by the time Qatar 2022 starts.

Messi and his family took time out on the boat as they made the most of his extended holiday

Messi looked cool in his shades and cap as he enjoyed time with his family and friends

Semaan is a close friend of Roccuzzo’s, and joined the Messi family without Fabregas

His former Argentina team-mate Carlos Tevez weighed in, saying he hoped Messi would not step down from international football following this summer’s disappointment.

‘As a player and as an Argentine I tell him that we need him, that he tries to rest, that he keeps a cool head and that we need him,’ Tevez currently of Boca Juniors told ESPN. 

‘We need him because he is the soul of Argentina and, as long as he continues playing football, it has to be that way because he is Argentina’s biggest idol and he has to take that responsibility.

‘Now [I tell him] to rest, keep a cool head and try to be well, then we need him to take charge and on the pitch.’