Lionel Messi has recently taken to Instagram to garner support for aid towards the victims of the Turkey and Syria Earthquake. A massive Earthquake that measured 7.8 on the Richter scale shook the countries of Turkey and Syria on February 6th, 2023 which killed at least 35,000 while many victims are still under the debris.
Messi, who is the Goodwill Ambassador of the humanitarian aid organization UNICEF posted a heartfelt message on his Instagram account requesting people to donate aid to the victims. He stated that these were very difficult days for the people of the region who have been left homeless under the sky after the huge earthquake damaged the entire infrastructure of the two countries.
Messi on Instagram: These are very sad days for the thousands of children and their families who have been affected by the devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syria.
My heart goes out to them. @UNICEF has been working in the area right from the start to protect the children. pic.twitter.com/mt1aPVUX8u
— Albiceleste News 🏆 (@AlbicelesteNews) February 12, 2023
He wrote: “These are very sad days for the thousands of children and their families affected by the devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syria.”
Former Juventus player and Turkish International, Merih Demiral sold the jersey of his former teammate Cristiano Ronaldo to raise funds for the victims which were followed suit by other top players like Lionel Messi, Erling Haaland, Neymar Jr., Kylian Mbappe, and Karim Benzema who sent their signed shirts to raise money for aid.
Fans react as Lionel Messi calls for aid to protect the children of Turkey and Syria
Fans have been in awe of Messi’s gesture ever since he appealed to his fans to donate to the cause with a fan calling Messi not just an on-field hero, but an off-field hero as well who didn’t disappoint his fans in Turkey and Syria and is coming to their rescue at the time of need.
They wrote: “Messi= real-life hero”
View this post on Instagram
Another fan seemed to be unaware of the fact that Ronaldo had already sent his jersey to Turkey to raise funds and tried to question the Portuguese for not involving in the cause and focusing on his own accolades.
They wrote: “Messi is helping turkey and Syria but Ronaldo is busy in goal records and promoting his brands… Choose your Goat wisely Turkey and Syria people. it’s time to unfollow Ronaldo”
Fans are strongly in favor of Messi’s actions but some are demeaning CR7 because there have been no comments from him on the situation.
Turkish Super Lig postponed due to the Earthquake
Meanwhile, the Turkish Super Lig, as well as all the other professional soccer leagues in Turkey, have been postponed until at least February 17th following the massive earthquake as the nation has been engaged in the rescue mission and huge international aid efforts are being stepped up in the country.
Morning friends.
No picks today. Traveling and just saw the devastation in Turkey and Syria.
All Turkish Super Lig games are postponed indefinitely. Prayers to all those those who have been affected.
If anyone knows a place to donate towards relief please let me know!
— 🌻Jon Eimer (@BucketJonBets) February 6, 2023
Former Newcastle United and current Hatayspor player Christian Atsu is missing ever since the earthquake struck, he was reported to have been found but the claims were denied by his manager which means the winger is still missing to date.
The country cannot host any sporting activity for some time as the infrastructure has been wrecked by the Earthquake and with so much misery going on right now, soccer will have to take a step back before the country is raised back on its feet again.