Lionel Messi’s Girlfriend Gives Birth To Couple’s First Child
Three-time FIFA Ballon d’Or (formerly World Player of the Year) winner Lionel Messi has become a father for the first time after his girlfriend Antonella Rocuzzo gave birth to their son Thiago on Friday.
Messi, who has been been dating Rocuzzo since 2009, took to Facebook an hour after the child’s birth to announce the joyous news:
“Today I am the happiest man in the world, my son was born and thanks to God for this gift!” Messi wrote on the popular social network site. “Thanks to my family for the support! A hug to everyone.”
According to the Daily Mail, Messi, who at just 25-years-old is considered to be the world’s best football (soccer) player, missed training to be with Antonella for the birth of their first child.
But Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova confirmed his superstar forward would play in the match against Celta Vigo on Saturday.
“In principle he’ll be available for the match,” stated Vilanova. “It won’t change anything that he hasn’t trained for one day, it’s not significant.”
In addition becoming a father for the first time, Messi also recently celebrated another milestone in his life when he scored his 300th career goal Saturday against Rayo Vallecano.
The soccer superstar now only needs two goals to match the record set by Pele in 1958 for most goals for club and country within a calendar year.
Sports Illustrated notes Pele scored 75 goals for his club Santos FC and the Brazilian national team. For the 2012-2013 La Liga season, Messi has already scored 13 goals in nine league games and two more goals in the UEFA Champions League.
