Lionel Messi confirms that a mini Messi is on the way

The world's best footballer has confirmed news that will strike fear into the hearts of youngsters everywhere - a mini Messi is on the way and he hopes that it's a boy.

The Argentina and Barcelona star - who hit an incredible 73 goals in all competitions last season - has confirmed reports that he and his girlfriend are expecting their first child together.

Though notoriously publicity shy, the dimunitive forward put paid to rumours that he and his partner Antonella Roccuzzo were expecting a child, a rumour strenthened by a special goal celebration against Ecuador last month during an Argentina international.

Speaking to the Ole publication, Messi stated: "I think it will be a boy. We did not want to say anything because we never talk about our private life.

"But we were constantly asked about it, so we wanted to share our joy," he added.

With Manchester City striker and fellow Argentine international Sergio Aguero having a sprog with the daughter of South American legend Diego Maradona, we're currently trying to find any bookies giving us odds on Argentina winning back-to-back World Cups around 20 years from now.