Messi shares baby joy

Barcelona and Argentina star Lionel Messi has confirmed reports he and his girlfriend are expecting their first child.

The diminutive forward had been tight-lipped when questioned about the rumours he was expecting his first child with his partner, Antonella Roccuzzo, which were fuelled by his special goal celebration in Argentina’s 4-0 victory against Ecuador earlier this month.

However, the 24-year-old has now announced his girlfriend is pregnant.

“I think it will be a boy,” Messi is quoted as saying by Ole.

“We did not want to say anything because we never talk about our private life.

“But we were constantly asked about it, so we wanted to share our joy.”

The three-time Ballon d’Or winner scored 73 goals in all competitions during 2011/12.