Today was a big day for Lionel Messi. The Barcelona star scored his 50th and 51st goals of the season – in only his 49th match. This puts Messi well ahead of Ballon d'Or rival Cristiano Ronaldo, who has scored only 35 goals to-date this season in all competitions. Messi has scored as many in La Liga alone.
Despite Messi's brace today against Villarreal, it wasn't the goals that brought the most joy to his face. It was the moment before the match when Messi's kids – and the kids of teammates Luis Suárez – joined the pair on the field for some last-minute time with dad. Messi's girlfriend Antonella Roccuzzo brought his two sons, Mateo Messi and Thiago Messi. Luis Suárez's wife Sofia Balbi was there as well with his daughter and son, Delfina Suárez and Benjamin Suárez.
Check out the photo ops that ensued. These remind us that, one day, we might be talking about MSM (Messi, Suarez, Messi) rather than MSN.
It turns out Lionel Messi's two biggest fans are Mateo Messi and Thiago Messi.
It turns out Lionel Messi's two biggest fans are Mateo Messi and Thiago Messi.
Some kids have all the luck. Especially kids with the last name "Messi" or "Suarez."
Some kids have all the luck. Especially kids with the last name "Messi" or "Suarez."
This must have been early in the match.
This must have been early in the match, judging from the concerned looks on all faces in this picture.
Meanwhile, a creepy guy in the background looks on.
Meanwhile, a creepy guy in the background looks on. Take it easy, creepy guy. Take it easy.
