Footballer Lionel Messi’s brother survived after a gunman sprayed the front of his house with bullets.

Matias Messi, 28, dived for cover after the motorcyclist started shooting a handgun in Rosario, Argentina.

Four 9mm bullets were lodged in the house and two more in the garage following the attack at about 10.30pm on Saturday, police said.

Barcelona star Messi, 23, recognised as the world’s best player, often stays at Matias’ home when he returns to his native country.

The star’s lawyer Ricardo Giusepponi said it’s believed to be a random shooting.

Despite reports, he said that the brothers’ mother Celia was not in the house at the time.

He added: “The parents are in Europe.”