Barcelona forward Lionel Messi has become a father for the first time after his girlfriend gave birth to their son Thiago on Friday.

The 25-year-old missed his side's training session to accompany his partner Antonella Racuzzo to a hospital in the centre of the city.

"Leo Messi is a father," read a Barcelona statement. "This Friday afternoon Antonella Rocuzzo, the Argentine star's girlfriend, gave birth to Thiago Messi, the couple's first son."

Messi is expected to be back in action for his team on Saturday when they host Celta Vigo at the Camp Nou.