Lionel Messi withdraws from Barcelona squad after birth of third child
Saturday 10 March 2018 13:26, UK
Lionel Messi withdrew from the Barcelona's squad to play Malaga on Saturday night after the birth of his third son.
Messi was replaced by Yerry Mina for the game at La Rosaleda, live on Sky Sports Football, with Barcelona citing "personal reasons" for his absence.
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The Barcelona forward confirmed the birth of his third son, Ciro, soon after on Saturday afternoon.
He wrote on Instagram: "Welcome Ciro! Thank God everything went perfect. Mom and he are very well. We are super happy."
Messi is already the father to two-year-old Mateo and five-year-old Thiago.
The Argentine has scored four goals in his last three La Liga games for leaders Barca, who will go 11 points clear with victory at the La Rosaleda Stadium.
