Why does Lionel Messi donate so much to charity?

Can Golden-Hearted Messi Use His Golden Foot to Fight Cancer?

When we think of Lionel Messi, images of his mesmerizing dribbling skills and goal-scoring prowess immediately come to mind. However, there’s much more to this football icon than his on-field heroics from a young boy facing adversity to a global superstar using his fame to make a difference in the world.

Imagine a kid so small he could barely see over the soccer ball, yet so talented he left everyone speechless. That was Lionel Messi at 7 years old, standing on his tiptoes in the back row of his team photo, dwarfed by his teammates. Who knew this tiny boy would become one of the greatest soccer players ever?

But Messi’s story isn’t just about soccer. It’s about beating the odds, chasing dreams, and using fame to help others. Let’s take a closer look at the amazing journey of Lionel Messi.

Messi’s diagnosis history

At the tender age of 11, Lionel Messi was diagnosed with a rare condition known as growth hormone deficiency (GHD). This diagnosis marked the beginning of a challenging journey for the young football prodigy, but it also set the stage for his incredible rise to stardom.

What do you need to know about growth hormone deficiency (GHD)?

Growth Hormone Deficiency is a condition where the pituitary gland fails to produce enough growth hormone, which is crucial for normal growth and development in children. Here’s a quick overview of the condition:

• Outcome: Without sufficient growth hormone, children with GHD typically exhibit stunted growth and may not reach their full height potential.
• Symptoms: Common symptoms include short stature, delayed puberty, and younger-looking facial features. In adults, GHD can lead to increased body fat, decreased muscle mass, and fatigue.
• Treatment: The primary treatment for GHD is regular injections of synthetic growth hormone. This therapy helps stimulate growth in children and maintains normal body structure and metabolism in adults.

Messi’s Battle with GHD

A poignant image from 1994 shows a 7-year-old Messi, standing in the back row of his youth team photo, noticeably smaller than his teammates. Despite his size, his talent was undeniable. However, the treatment for GHD was expensive, costing around $1,500 per month – a sum his family struggled to afford.

The Turning Point: FC Barcelona

In 2000, at the age of 13, Messi’s life took a dramatic turn. His parents decided to take him to Barcelona for a trial with FC Barcelona’s renowned youth academy, La Masia. Messi’s talent was undeniable, and he quickly impressed the coaches.

In a historic and somewhat unconventional move, Messi’s first contract with Barcelona was signed on a napkin. This contract included a crucial clause: the club would cover the costs of his growth hormone treatments.

On a small piece of napkin was written one of the most important documents in the history of sport. The napkin 13-year-old Lionel Messi signed his first contract with FC Barcelona on will be auctioned with a starting price of £300,000 ($381,000 or €352,000)

The growth hormone injections and the support from FC Barcelona allowed Messi to reach a height of 5’7″ (1.7m), which is considered average for an Argentine male. Beyond physical growth, these experiences shaped Messi’s character, instilling in him qualities like self-reliance, humility, and adaptability.

His move to Spain at a young age also exposed him to a new culture and environment, further contributing to his development as both a player and a person.

Messi’s time at Barcelona was nothing short of legendary. He amassed an incredible 35 trophies with the club, including 10 La Liga titles and 4 UEFA Champions League crowns. His success continued with Paris Saint-Germain and reached new heights with the Argentina national team, culminating in a World Cup victory in 2022.

Throughout his career, Messi has collected an astounding 45 trophies, including the coveted Ballon d’Or a record eight times. Each of these achievements is a testament to his dedication, skill, and unwavering passion for the game.

More Than Just a Soccer Star

Now, here’s where Messi’s story gets even more inspiring. Remember those expensive treatments he needed as a kid? Well, Messi never forgot what it was like to need help. In 2007, he established the Leo Messi Foundation to give back, focusing on kids facing tough times, especially those battling cancer with goal of using his fame to inspire and assist those in need.

His philanthropic efforts are not only about financial contributions but also about raising awareness and promoting equitable access to essential services for children.

One of the foundation’s most significant projects has been its collaboration with the SJD Pediatric Cancer Center in Barcelona. Messi’s foundation, along with the Stavros Niarchos Foundation, donated €2.6 million to complete the €30 million funding needed for the center’s construction.

This facility is set to become the largest pediatric oncology center in Europe, capable of treating 400 patients annually.

Lionel Messi and the Barça Foundation laid the first stone for a new center that is set to open in the second half of 2020. The ceremony was a grand affair, featuring private donors, companies, and various entities.

Together, they built a sculpture out of 100,000 pieces of Lego, spelling out the words “Para los valientes” (For the Brave), which will proudly stand in the new center’s lobby. This initiative highlights Messi’s commitment to supporting children and families facing serious health challenges.

Supporting Cancer Research at Vall d’Hebron

Through his foundation, Messi has made significant contributions to cancer research, particularly at the Vall d’Hebron Research Institute. The Leo Messi Foundation has funded the salary of a data manager to support the Translational Research in Childhood and Adolescent Cancer group.

This role is crucial for managing patient data in clinical trials, ultimately improving the quality of care, research, and welfare for children and adolescents affected by cancer. Messi’s dedication to this cause is a testament to his belief, he once said:

Graffiti de Lionel Messi en el hospital de la Vall Hebron

Lionel Messi celebration in Barcelona’s 3-0 win over Sevilla as part of a campaign to raise £26m for children’s cancer hospital. The Argentine netted his first of the night on 28 minutes to it 2-0 and celebrated by stroking two fingers across his right cheek.

Additionally, Messi’s foundation has established strong links between the Garrahan Hospital in Buenos Aires and the Sant Joan de Déu Hospital in Barcelona, providing grants and subsidies that total 100 million euros annually to enhance cancer research and patient care.

Through these efforts, Messi has not only provided financial support but also brought visibility to the cause, embodying his belief that “collaborating makes this easier” and helping to create a healthier future for children worldwide.

Guillermo Chantada, SIOP President and Messi’s Father

Lionel Messi’s Golden Foot: Champion with Golden Heart

In a remarkable fusion of athletic prowess and philanthropy, Lionel Messi’s legendary left foot was immortalized in solid gold, becoming a symbol of hope for tsunami victims in Japan. This unique initiative showcases Messi’s commitment to using his fame for charitable causes.

The Golden Foot Initiative

In 2013, Japanese jeweler Ginza Tanaka unveiled a pure gold replica of Lionel Messi’s left foot. This extraordinary piece of art was not just a tribute to Messi’s unparalleled skills but also a beacon of hope for those affected by the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami in Japan.

Key Details:

• Weight: 25 kg (55 pounds)
• Height: 10 inches (25.4 cm)
• Value: $5.25 million (£3.4 million)
• Material: 25-carat solid gold

The statue’s intricate details captured every line and contour of Messi’s foot, including blood vessels and skin textures, making it a true masterpiece.

A significant portion of the proceeds from the sale of this golden foot was directed to the Leo Messi Foundation. This foundation, in turn, allocated funds to support victims of the devastating earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan in March 2011. Messi’s involvement went beyond financial contributions:

1. He met with approximately 30 Japanese children aged 9-15 who were affected by the tsunami.
2. The meeting took place at Camp Nou, Barcelona’s home stadium, providing a once-in-a-lifetime experience for these young survivors

Messi’s long continues list of initiatives

• World Cup Jerseys Auction: Messi auctioned six jerseys worn during the 2022 Qatar World Cup, including the one from the final. The auction, estimated to raise around $10 million, directed part of the proceeds to the UNICAS Project at the Sant Joan de Déu Children’s Hospital in Barcelona, aiding children with rare diseases.
• T-Shirt Auctions: Messi has frequently donated his soccer gear and uniforms for fundraisers and auctions. These items have raised significant funds for various charitable causes, including healthcare and education for vulnerable children.
• “Friends of Messi” Matches: Organized several charity football matches, known as “Friends of Messi,” with all proceeds benefiting his foundation. These matches have been instrumental in raising awareness and funds for his charitable projects.
• Hospital Donations: The Leo Messi Foundation has made numerous donations to hospitals in Argentina and Spain. This includes funding specialized equipment, supporting research for rare diseases, and providing resources for treating gastrointestinal problems in his hometown.
• Cancer Research Funding: The foundation has funded the salary of a data manager at the Vall d’Hebron Research Institute to support pediatric oncology research. Additionally, it has contributed to the construction of the new Sant Joan de Déu Pediatric Cancer Center.

• Educational Support in Syria: Collaborated with UNICEF to build prefabricated classrooms and provide school supplies for children affected by the war in Syria, ensuring they could continue their education despite the conflict.
• Water and Nutrition Projects in Kenya: Donated 200,000 euros for a water pump and nutritional supplements to combat child malnutrition in Kenya, improving the health and well-being of children in the region.
• Sports Facilities: Invested in building sports fields and playgrounds in underdeveloped areas of Argentina, promoting physical activity and providing safe spaces for children to play and learn.
• Special Olympics Support: Partnered with the Special Olympics committee to promote sports for children with disabilities, encouraging physical activity and social inclusion

A Love Story Worthy of a Movie

Behind every great player is a great support system, and for Messi, that’s his wife Antonela Roccuzzo. The couple first met as kids in their hometown of Rosario, Argentina, where young Leo was smitten by Antonela, his friend’s cousin.

Despite Messi’s move to Barcelona at 13 to pursue his soccer dreams, their connection never faded. Years later, tragedy brought them back together when Antonela lost a close friend. Messi, then a rising star, immediately flew home to support her. This gesture rekindled their bond, leading to a relationship that has stood the test of time, fame, and football.

Messi says Antonela is his rock:

Long distance couldn’t stop Lionel Messi and Antonela Roccuzzo from falling in love. Today, they’re proud parents to three boys – Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro – and their 2017 wedding in Rosario was dubbed Argentina’s “wedding of the century.” Through ups and downs, Championships and World Cups, Antonela has been Messi’s constant, proving that sometimes, your childhood crush can become your happily ever after.

Behind Lionel Messi’s incredible success lies a tight-knit family deeply committed to giving back. Jorge Messi and Celia Cuccittini, Lionel’s parents, instilled in him the values of hard work and compassion from an early age. Now, they’re key players in the Leo Messi Foundation, with Jorge serving as its director.

Lionel Messi with parents.

Trophies of Leo Messi

Lionel Messi has had an illustrious career, amassing a remarkable total of 45 trophies across club and international competitions. Here’s a detailed breakdown of his achievements:

FC Barcelona (2004-2021)

• La Liga: 10 titles (2004-05, 2005-06, 2008-09, 2009-10, 2010-11, 2012-13, 2014-15, 2015-16, 2017-18, 2018-19)
• Copa del Rey: 7 titles (2008-09, 2011-12, 2014-15, 2015-16, 2016-17, 2017-18, 2020-21)
• Supercopa de España: 8 titles (2005, 2006, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2016, 2018)
• UEFA Champions League: 4 titles (2005-06, 2008-09, 2010-11, 2014-15)
• UEFA Super Cup: 3 titles (2009, 2011, 2015)
• FIFA Club World Cup: 3 titles (2009, 2011, 2015)

Paris Saint-Germain (2021-2023)

• Ligue 1: 2 titles (2021-22, 2022-23)
• Trophée des Champions: 1 title (2022)

International Trophies

Argentina U20

• FIFA World Youth Championship: 1 title (2005)

Argentina U23

• Olympic Gold Medal: 1 title (2008)

Argentina Senior Team

• FIFA World Cup: 1 title (2022)
• Copa América: 1 title (2021)
• CONMEBOL-UEFA Cup of Champions: 1 title (2022)

Lionel Messi has become the main contender for the Ballon d’Or since 2021, now he has 8 of them.

Each ring features bespoke details, nodding to key achievements or markers for that year, so for 2012 there’s the call out to his 91 goals for the calendar year, while the 2023 version nods at the World Cup win. Later this year, each ring will be available for auction, with all proceeds going to charities that will be selected by Messi and Adidas.

Facts you might not know About Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi, often hailed as one of the greatest footballers of all time, has a career filled with fascinating facts and achievements.

• Record-Breaking Goals: Messi scored 672 goals for FC Barcelona, the most goals ever scored for a single club, and has a career total of over 800 goals for club and country.
• Ballon d’Or Dominance: He has won the Ballon d’Or a record eight times, more than any other player in history.
• Growth Hormone Deficiency: Diagnosed with growth hormone deficiency at age 11, Messi’s treatment was funded by FC Barcelona after they signed him at age 13.
• First Contract on a Napkin: Messi’s first contract with Barcelona was famously signed on a paper napkin due to the urgency of securing his talent.
• International Success: He led Argentina to victory in the 2021 Copa América and the 2022 FIFA World Cup, completing his collection of major international trophies.
• Philanthropy: Messi is deeply involved in charitable work through the Leo Messi Foundation, which focuses on healthcare and education for vulnerable children worldwide.
• Olympic Gold Medal: He won an Olympic gold medal with Argentina’s U23 team at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
• Guinness World Record: Messi holds the Guinness World Record for the most goals scored in a calendar year, with 91 goals in 2012.
• El Clasico Legend: He is the all-time top scorer in El Clasico matches (Real Madrid vs. Barcelona), with 26 goals.
• Dual Citizenship: Messi holds both Argentine and Spanish citizenship but chose to represent Argentina internationally, turning down an opportunity to play for Spain.
• UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador: Messi has served as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, advocating for children’s rights and well-being.

Written by Aharon Tsaturyan, MD