Lionel Messi announces he's going to be a dad

Soccer superstar Lionel Messi has publicly acknowledged for the first time that he is expecting his first child with girlfriend, Antonella Roccuzzo.

Messi and Antonella Roccuzzo

The Barcelona and Argentina forward made the announcement on Saturday in Cancún, Mexico, at the end of a charity match to promote the Leo Messi Foundation.

"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," said Messi.

"Both my family and Antonella's are over the moon."

The 24-year-old had been tight-lipped when questioned about the reports that he was expecting his first child with his partner, after his special celebration of his goal in Argentina's 4-0 victory against Ecuador in a World Cup qualifier earlier this month.

Messi celebrated his goal by tucking the ball under his shirt, as if to simulate an expecting mother's belly.