Not only a great footballer, Lionel Messi has repeatedly proven himself to be a person with a noble character through many memorable charitable actions. According to the sports news site Givemesport, Lionel Messi had a difficult childhood. To cover the expenses of treating his growth hormone disorder, Messi’s parents had to hustle and bustle around.

For Messi, the tough times were unforgettable, so since becoming famous in the Barcelona colors, the Argentine player has been persistent in charity work.

Donating 1 million Euros to fight Covid-19

In 2020, when the entire global economy, society, and sports activities were disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic, Messi donated 1 million Euros to a hospital in Barcelona, Spain. This amount ensured an adequate supply of medical equipment for the local people.

Not only financially contributing, Messi also actively participated in campaigns to raise awareness and prevent the spread of the pandemic.

Calling for donations of 30 million Euros for the specialty of the Sant Joan de Deu Hospital

The main target of Messi’s charity campaigns is children because he wants every child to have a better upbringing and not endure the difficulties he faced as a child.

In 2018, when the Sant Joan de Deu Hospital wanted to open a specialized unit to treat childhood cancer, the PSG star stepped up to call for sponsorship.

With his influence, Messi quickly raised 27 million Euros. The Argentine star then contributed an additional 3 million Euros to complete the sponsorship campaign.

“I hope all children continue to fight against this terrible disease. I am very proud to be able to contribute alongside them,” Messi said at the inauguration ceremony of the hospital’s specialty.

Donating 650,000 Euros to renovate a hospital in his hometown

In 2013, Lionel Messi donated 650,000 Euros to renovate a hospital in the town of Rosario, where he was born. By 2020, when he found out that the hospital lacked sufficient equipment to treat severe Covid-19 patients, Messi donated 50 ventilators.

Paying hospital fees for a 12-year-old boy

In 2012, Messi heard about a 12-year-old boy named Waleed Kashash who had a similar illness to his when he was young and also dreamed of becoming a footballer. The Argentine forward offered to sponsor all of the boy’s medical bills until he reached 18 years old.

Not only that, Messi also sent Kashash’s family a photo of him holding the boy’s jersey, along with sincere words of encouragement.

Meeting a young fan from Afghanistan

In 2016, the image of a boy named Murtaza Ahmadi wearing a Messi jersey made of plastic bags was shared on social media. When he heard about this, Messi sent the boy a signed match jersey.

The story did not end there, when Barcelona had a tour in Qatar, the club helped the Afghan boy meet his idol in person. At that time, Ahmadi was carried by Messi himself in the tunnel.

Refusing wedding gifts

In 2017, Messi held a wedding ceremony with his long-time girlfriend Antonella in his hometown of Rosaria. On the important day of his life, he suggested that guests not buy wedding gifts, but instead use this money to contribute to a charity fund specializing in supporting health, education, and sports for underprivileged children.