Rosario: Lionel Messi's Argentine hometown is preparing to host footballing and showbiz celebrities when he marries childhood sweetheart Antonella Roccuzzo this month in Latin America's wedding of the decade.

Colombian popstar Shakira, wife of Messi's Barcelona teammate Gerard Pique, has said she hopes to attend. Rosario is expecting other current and former Barcelona stars such as Luis Suarez, Neymar, Cesc Fabregas and Xavi Hernandez to be among the invitees.

The Barcelona forward's agents confirmed in a statement that the couple will wed in Rosario on June 30, a week after Messi's 30th birthday. The guest list, venue and party details are the subject of a swirl of rumours.

The couple still have friends and family in this city, where Messi discovered his love of football - and of his brunette future bride. It is also where their two children were baptized. (afp)