Barcelona forward Lionel Messi looks to have embraced the Christmas spirit and shared a festive family photo via his official Instagram account.

The 28-year-old Argentina captain was with his long-term partner Antonella Roccuzzo and their two sons young Thiago (born 2012) and Mateo (born 2015).

Messi has known fellow Roasio native Roccuzzo since he was five years old as she is the cousin of his best friend and Jacksonville Armada midfielder Lucas Scaglia.

Lionel Messi poses for a Christmas photo with his long-term partner Antonella Roccuzzo and their sons

Barcelona forward Messi has known fellow Roasio native Roccuzzo since he was five years old

Barca are currently top of the Spanish league table with 34 points from 14 games going into this weekend’s derby clash against Deportivo de La Coruña at the Nou Camp.

Four-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi is expected to start the game, but his team-mate and Brazil international forward Neymar is out injured.

Messi was sidelined himself earlier this season with a knee injury he sustained in September’s 2-1 victory over Las Palmas.

He was out of action for two months but returned in time for Barca’s 4-0 demolition of El Clasico rivals Real Madrid.

Four-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi has scored 10 goals in 15 appearances for Barca so far this season

Despite his lack of game-time, Messi has managed 10 goals in 15 appearances for his club this term.

He has been recently been nominated for the Ballon d’Or again, but will face stiff competition to claim the prize for the fifth time in his career from Neymar and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Barcelona forward and Brazil international captain Neymar has also been nominated for the Ballon d’Or

Real Madrid striker Cristiano Ronaldo scored four goals in his side’s 8-0 victory over Malmo