Dad's the way, Messi!

Lionel Messi's legend was born a long, long time ago. And on Saturday night, after yet another stunning show on the football field, his new son was set to be born, too. It was a night he will never forget.

Earlier in the day, Gareth Bale had missed Tottenham's Premier League clash at home to Chelsea as his partner went into labour. But Messi was in the line-up as Barca kicked off at Riazor, starring in 10-man Barca's sensational nine-goal thriller against Deportivo La Coruna before rushing off to accompany Antonella and meet his new son.

On fire: Barca ace Lionel Messi celebrates a goal against Deportivo. Pic/Getty Images

Messi is understood to have abandoned the team's celebrations after their 5-4 victory. Sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta revealed after the match that the player would be travelling to Antonella's bedside to meet his new-born son, Thiago. "Right now, Messi is going to the hospital, but it's for a good reason," said Zubizarreta to Marca.

"Getting to meet your son is always something good.

He played the entire match, scoring three goals.

"He's completely accustomed to the coming, going, travelling with the team and circumstances in a match to play every minute."

Jordi Alba and Cristian Tello got the other goals for Barca, who had Javier Mascherano sent-off on 48 minutes, while a Pizzi double, a Alex Bergantinos strike and an Alba own goal kept the home side in the game.

The win means Barca go three points clear of Atletico Madrid, who play on Sunday, at the top of La Liga.

Real win 2-0
Meanwhile, Gonzalo Higuain and Cristiano Ronaldo scored a goal each in either half as Real Madrid eased past Celta Vigo with a 2-0 victory.