Barcelona star Lionel Messi has admitted that he 'loves' being a father to son Thiago.

The Argentina international, who is the Ballon d'Or holder for the fourth time, welcomed his baby boy into the world in November last year.

"They told me having a son is the most beautiful thing but the truth is until you have one you do not realise what it means," The Sun quotes Messi as saying.

"I was never one to talk about my personal life. But I do it all. I change him, I wash him, I feed him. I like it very much."

Messi clinched another feat by scoring in his 18th consecutive game during Barcelona's 3-1 victory over Rayo Vallecano yesterday.