Lionel Messi’s Signed Shirt Raises Millions for Charity for Rehabilitation Institute, Fulfilling Dreams of Young Fan

Published 04/18/2024, 11:59 PM EDT

The impact Lionel Messi has had transcends the beautiful game, often serving as a beacon of lifeline and inspiration for many. In a heartwarming display of his generosity, La Pulga’s signed shirt not only fulfilled the dream of a young fan but also helped raise millions for charity in support of a rehabilitation institute.

Legendary Chilean television host Mario Kreutzberger, also known as ‘Don Francisco’, visited a rehabilitation institute in San Pedro de la Paz on Thursday as part of the Teletón 2024 campaign. During his visit to the center in the Bío-Bío region, the renowned communicator presented the official Inter Miami jersey signed by Messi. As complied by Biobiochile and translated by DeepL, Don Francisco, in a conversation with Radio Bío-Bío de Concepción, revealed, “This jersey raised 48 million pesos ($50,000), which transformed into more than 300 wheelchairs.”

Notably, Teletón is an annual charity event in Chile founded by Don Francisco himself. This year, it will take place on November 8 and 9. The commentator further acknowledged that the individual who won it had bought raffle numbers worth 50 thousand pesos ($60). “She took the T-shirt for her son. Her son is very happy, as he is a Messi fan”, added the TV presenter.

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Meanwhile, the winner, Katherine Betanzo, thanked the organization and stated that she and her son plan to frame Messi’s jersey. “I am happy, very happy. It is very nice to give happiness also to my son and to instill a little bit of kindness and solidarity,” she said. While it’s good to see Messi’s shirt make such a remarkable cause, he is not alone in lending a helping hand.

Other esteemed names also join Lionel Messi in the rehabilitation institute charity

Lionel Messi’s signed Inter Miami jersey wasn’t the only highlight of the raffle at the Lucatón event. Marcelo Bielsa, the manager of the Uruguay national team, also contributed by sending a signed jersey. Additionally, there were official t-shirts from the Chilean National Team signed by the Pan American medalists, as well as shirts signed by several Chilean football clubs. Moreover, scale replicas of the Copa América (2022 Estrella Award) and the Copa Sudamericana were also there.

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Likewise, the Copa América 2015 album and prints were also among the items up for grabs. Moving away from soccer, renowned Chilean singer-songwriter Denise Rosenthal generously donated an autographed vinyl of “We Will All Be Queens,” while Beto Cuevas contributed an autographed velvet jacket. Additionally, there was a painting from Taller de Arte Teletón, autographed by Manuel Turizo, among the many other items available. However, Messi’s Inter Miami shirt steals the show as the standout item in the charity event.

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Written by:

Abhishek Mishra is a senior Soccer Writer at EssentiallySports. His early exposure to playing soccer earned him many accolades at college divisions, making him a sports enthusiast. While closely following daily updates for over a decade, Abhishek is well-versed in European soccer and now the MLS, as well.

Edited by:

Sreeda U M

Lionel Messi’s Signed Shirt Raises Millions for Charity for Rehabilitation Institute, Fulfilling Dreams of Young Fan

Other esteemed names also join Lionel Messi in the rehabilitation institute charity

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