Lionel Messi makes his children follow strict phone rule

Lionel Messi has explained that his children must follow a strict rule when it comes to mobile phones.

Eight-time Ballon d'Or winner Messi is arguably the greatest player of all time, but we know precious little about his life off the pitch.

The Argentine is fiercely protective of his family and their privacy, although from time-to-time he does give fans little insights into his day-to-day life.

In an interview last September, the Inter Miami star spoke about his family settling into life in Florida, including his habits and pet peeves.

They include his insistence that anybody who enters the house must take their shoes off immediately, and that he sets the kitchen table for breakfast before going to bed the night before.

In addition, Messi also revealed that he has banned his three children from having mobile phones.

Messi and wife Antonela made the decision in a bid to prevent sons Thiago, Mateo and Ciro becoming glued to screens.

"I'm not one to use emojis on WhatsApp," Messi told OLGA, as relayed by Albiceleste Talk.

"None of my children have a cell phone yet. I don't send as much audio, I prefer more messages.”

Messi isn't the only superstar to take a strict approach with his kids.

Cristiano Ronaldo has also refuses to give his son a mobile phone, despite Cristiano Jr pestering him for one.

Messi keeps his family life largely private (Getty)

As per the Daily Mail, Ronaldo said: "My oldest child is going to be 12 years old soon and he asks me every time, 'Daddy, can I have a phone, can I have a phone, can I have a phone.'

"I say to him, 'Cristiano, you have time.'

"I know as well that this young generation are one step ahead of their age so I agree that we have to take advantage of that but not to be obsessed about technology.

"Give them but with a period of time, not give them all the time. I think that’s the main point here."

Though Messi might not be in favour of his children having phones, he did splash out £175,000 on 35 gold 24-carat iPhones for Argentine players and staff after the 2022 World Cup triumph in Qatar.

Each phone was completely customised, featuring each player's name and number, as well as the Argentina crest.