Lionel Messi’s impact on the soccer field is undeniable. The Argentinian superstar captured the admiration of millions with his extraordinary soccer prowess. However, this time, La Pulga transcends beyond the pitch, leaving a lasting impression by fulfilling the dream of one of his devoted supporters. In a heartwarming gesture, Messi extended his compassion to a grieving fan who tragically lost her husband. 

In 2018, Messi’s biggest fans, Juliana and her husband Thomás, created stamps featuring the captain’s face to distribute to thousands during the World Cup in Russia. The stamped cards, referred to as a ‘Prayer of Messi,’ were intended for good luck. Unfortunately, their efforts didn’t yield success, as Argentina faced elimination by France in the round of 16 that year.

A heartwarming gesture from Lionel Messi for his fan 

After a decade together, Juliana and Thomás tied the knot in 2020, and shortly after receiving the joyous news of her pregnancy, tragedy struck when her husband passed away in a road accident. A year later, just hours after Messi secured victory in the 2021 Copa America, Juliana went into labor, giving birth to her son Aureliano. During the 2022 Qatar World Cup, Juliana disclosed that she continued the stamp ritual with the hope that it would bring success to Messi and Argentina.

Interestingly, even if she occasionally forgot to send the stamps to her friends on WhatsApp before the matches, doing it midway through the game coincided with Argentina scoring. “It was like I felt it so strong, like the magic that the stamp had,” said Juliana, as per CNN. 

It inspired Juliana to share this with the soccer fraternity, so she wrote a letter to Argentinean host Andy Kusnetzoff. Later, when La Albiceleste won the World Cup, Juliana revealed she cried a lot. In fact, later in the radio program, Kusnetzoff arranged a phone call for Juliana with Messi.

Remarkably, the 36-year-old fulfilled Juliana’s dream and said, “Hello, Juli. Here I have the stamp and, well, sorry to tell you this, but I’m sure he saw me raise the cup from somewhere.” Meanwhile, Messi showcased yet another eye-opening gesture. 

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Another gesture from La Pulga 

Thai MMA fighter Rodtang Jitmuangnon was delighted to receive a personally signed Inter Miami Lionel Messi shirt from the Argentine icon. Expressing his joy, Rodtang shared a photo on Instagram holding the cherished shirt and wrote a caption saying, “It’s what I’ve been waiting for. Today has arrived. Feeling speechless, very happy.”

The unexpected gesture came about through Messi’s bodyguard, Yassine Chueko, who, having trained in Thailand, regards Jitmuangnon as his favorite MMA fighter.

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