Argentine football star Messi becomes a dad again

Lionel Messi has added two-time dad to his long list of honours. REUTERS

BUENOS AIRES (AFP) - Argentine football star Lionel Messi has added two-time dad to his long list of honours, after his girlfriend gave birth to a son, relatives announced.

Mateo Messi was born Friday in Barcelona, the athlete's brother wrote on Twitter.

"Mateo has just been born, he is beautiful," Matias Messi wrote.

"We're savouring this moment of happiness."

Messi, 28, and longtime companion Antonella Roccuzzo are already parents to a toddler son, Thiago, who turns three later this year.

Considered among his sport's most prodigious talents, Messi last month was voted UEFA's best player in Europe for 2014-2015.

The Argentina star - who won the Champions League, Spain's La Liga and Spanish Cup with Barcelona - claimed the award for the second time.

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