After World Cup heartbreak, Messi’s gift of hope lives on in Israel

Despite Lionel Messi's World Cup final loss to Spain, his impact on children at Save a Child's Heart in Israel remains a source of hope. During visits with Argentina's national team in 2019 and Paris Saint-Germain in 2022, facilitated by philanthropist Sylvan Adams, Messi met young patients undergoing life-saving heart surgery. He provided signed shirts and moments of joy to children like Abdi from Ethiopia and Mafunda from Zanzibar, offering immense courage before their procedures. Adams stated, "When Messi visited the children at Save a Child’s Heart in Israel, he gave them far more than a memorable meeting. He gave them hope, confidence and joy at a moment when they needed it most." Simon Fisher, executive director, added that Messi's presence was "the best medicine imaginable," leaving a permanent mark on the children's spirits. Save a Child’s Heart has treated over 8,500 children from 75 countries since 1995.