Barcelona star Lionel Messi has reportedly expressed his gratitude to Inter Milan striker Antonio Cassano for naming his baby son after the FIFA Ballon d'Or winner.

The Italy international, who welcomed Lionel Cassano into his family on Monday, picked the name as a tribute to the Argentina international forward.

The 25-year-old sent his thanks and congratulations to Cassano via Argentina teammate Javier Zanetti, according to Football Italia.

Meanwhile, Messi has paid tribute to his own son by getting a tattoo inked on his left calf.