MESSI BECOMES A DAD AS HE IS SET TO SLINK CELTA DE VIGO

Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi announced the birth of his first child, Thiago, although the club say he will still play on Saturday. Messi’s partner, Antonella Roccuzzo, delivered their son at the Dexeus hospital about 700 metres (less than half a mile) from Barcelona’s Camp Nou stadium.
“Today I am the happiest man in the world, my son was born and thanks to God for this gift! Thanks to my family for the support! A hug to everyone,” the 25-year-old Argentine said on his Facebook page.
Messi had permission to miss football training in the morning “for a personal matter” on the eve of Barcelona’s home game against Celta de Vigo, Barcelona said in an online statement.
But coach Tito Vilanova said the Argentine is still expected to play at the Camp Nou on Saturday.
“In principle he will be there for the game. It does not change anything that he has not trained for one day, it’s not important,” Vilanova told a news conference.