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What’s the Story?
Lionel Messi scored his 28th goal (soon followed by his 29th ) goal against Sevilla in what soon became an exhibition of the virtuoso skills of that fabled Messi, Suarez, Neymar trio. After the goal, which he took extremely well – a superb right foot finish through the legs of the Sevilla keeper Sergio Rio from a Luis Suarez pass – he didn’t celebrate in his usual manner of raising both hands to the heavens, and instead made a distinctive two fingered pattern on his right cheek, just below the eye.
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In case you didn’t know
Lionel Messi generally celebrates with his arms raised to the heavens, a tribute to his grandmother who was his biggest supporter – from the time he could kick a ball she had walking around her neighborhood extolling the virtues of her grandson.
The heart of the matter
The reason for that as explained by the Spanish publication, Deportivo Mundo, will simply make you love Messi even more. The two fingered mark is the trademark of a movement known as Para los valientes – which translates to FOR THE BRAVE. Barcelona is set to build the largest pediatric oncology center in Europe. For the uninitiated, that means a centre for the treatment of cancer, specifically for children.
In this endeavour, Messi is playing a key part in the campaign as it is the Sant Joan de Déu Hospital, the Leo Messi Foundation, the Fundació FC Barcelona and the IESE Business School that have launched it in order to involve citizens and companies in the financing of the center.
Video
Here’s the celebration for those who missed it.
Author’s Take
This is a great gesture from a great footballer who is using his massive reach and universal appeal to draw attention to a cause of the utmost importance. Through the Leo Messi foundation, it is evident that it is not only a mere celebration that is going into this, but at least a portion of his considerable financial wealth. If we cannot bring ourselves to work for the betterment of those less fortunate, then where is the humanity in us?
I hope other footballers follow the great Argentine’s lead (so many already do) and work toward the betterment of humanity
