LIONEL MESSI’S wife Antonela clearly wants their three sons in the stands to match their dad’s high standards on the pitch as he chases World Cup glory.
The model reprimanded middle child Mateo, seven, after he appeared to throw chewing gum towards fans as Argentina beat Australia 2-1.
Messi has revealed his kids are his driving force as he attempts to finally win football’s biggest tournament.
But fellow Argentine Antonela didn’t let the occasion go to their sons’ heads as she responded quickly to Mateo’s antics.
Messi, though, is just delighted his children – especially eldest son Thiago, 10 – are now old enough to fully appreciate his continuing achievements and dreams at the age of 35.
After Argentina KO’d the Socceroos to set up a quarter-final with Holland on Friday, Messi said: “From the beginning to the final whistle I was thinking about my family.
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“My children especially, as they are growing older and understand more.
“We have had families before at World Cups – Thiago has been there but wasn’t aware what it meant.
“I now see how they suffer and enjoy it. It’s something spectacular.
“They are excited as all Argentinians – it’s amazing to share this with them.”
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Messi’s family – his mum, wife and sons Thiago, Mateo and Ciro – beamed in the stands as he netted a classy opener and then mastermined the action.
Antonela too, though, attracted plenty of attention.
The 34-year-old wore ripped jeans baring her midriff and a purple Argentina away shirt with her husband’s name and number on it.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
