Lionel Messi's hometown gears up for glitzy wedding with Antonella Roccuzzo

Football and showbiz stars gather in northern Argentina tomorrow for Latin America's celebrity wedding bash of the decade when Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi marries his childhood sweetheart Antonella Roccuzzo. Pop star Shakira and partner Gerard Pique are expected to join his Barcelona teammates Luis Suarez and Neymar in the 260-strong guest list.

Brunette bride Roccuzzo, 29, will wear a dress by Spanish designer Rosa Clara which has been flown over from Barcelona. Guests are expected to arrive at the Hotel City-Center Casino from 2200 GMT onwards. The wedding ceremony and party will all take place inside the venue.

Messi (30) has reportedly asked chefs to prepare local delicacies such as 'locro' stew and 'empanada' pasties for the feast.

Uruguayan pop bands Rombai and Marama along with singer Karina, wife of Argentina footballer Sergio Aguero, will perform at the dance. Some 155 journalists have been accredited to cover the bash, but have been warned they will have no access to the guests.