If you personally know me, you may be aware of how meaningful and important this award is for me. It took an excessive amount of work, responsibility, and self-discipline. I’m extremely delighted that my sacrifices benefited both the team and myself. #allmyguysareballers
❤️🩹🇦🇷 Leo Messi: “Dad, you kept asking me to play in one last World Cup… just days before it began was when your condition got worse”.
“It was the first time you weren’t going to be there with me at tournament… but Mom kept telling me you were going to get better and that you’d be well enough to travel”.
“I kept telling you we were going to reach the World Cup final so you could make the trip, this was my mission once again”.
“After every match, I waited for and missed your message. That’s when I realized how serious the situation really was”.
“I couldn’t stop thinking about going as far as possible, give you more time and the chance to watch one of the games”.
“We reached the final, but you couldn’t be there. I wanted to win it so I could bring the trophy to you and show you another one. I couldn’t”.
“My legs just couldn’t give me any more”.
“This time I tried to push beyond what my body could handle, but I couldn’t”.
“I never managed to feel physically right”.
“We didn’t become champions Dad, but you have no idea how much we enjoyed every match. Once again, you were right: I had to be there and play in it… as you told me, always”.
Yes, those photos you’ve seen are real.
More than 18 years ago, a baby named Lamine Yamal and his mom Sheila met Lionel Messi at a UNICEF fundraising photoshoot.
Today, their achievements on the pitch inspire millions. Off the pitch, both Messi and Lamine Yamal use their voices and platforms as UNICEF Goodwill Ambassadors to support and advocate for children around the world.
The goal? That every child survives, thrives, and fulfils their potential.
We are proud to have them on our team.
Credit: Joan Monfort