Celtic hope 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.

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.

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Lionel Messi is due to become a father for the first time this week 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 at the weekend. That prompted feverish speculation in the Spanish media that Messi would be rested from the team.

With or without Messi, Barca are in pole position in their European group after back-to-back wins.