Oh, boy: Celtic hopes dad's the word for Messi

Celtic's hopes of beating Barcelona in the Champions League on Tuesday could be decided at a maternity ward rather than in the intimidating atmosphere of Camp Nou, the home of the Catalan giants.

The Spanish side's Argentine superstar Lionel Messi (pictured) is due to become a father this week for the first time when his girlfriend, Antonella Roccuzzo, gives birth.

The couple's baby, already known to be a boy who will be named Thiago, was widely expected to arrive over the weekend. That prompted feverish speculation in the Spanish media that Messi would be rested from the team.