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Lionel Messi expressed an emotional message of solidarity with the Venezuelan people on Friday, affected by the devastating earthquakes of June 24, which have caused nearly 3,000 fatalities and millions of people affected, reported the Ministry of Communication and Information of the South American country.
The captain of the Argentine national team spoke to the media in the mixed zone of the 2026 World Cup, just a few hours after La Albiceleste defeated Cape Verde 3-2 in the round of 32 and secured their qualification for the round of 16. Before the match, FIFA paid tribute to the victims with a moment of silence.
"A very big message to all the people in Venezuela. We know about the terrible hardship you are going through, and it is something difficult to explain," stated the Argentine star, as reported by the Ministry of Communication and Information of Venezuela.
Messi dedicated a few words especially to those who are still searching for their loved ones or facing uncertainty after the disaster.
"Send support to all those people who are suffering a lot, who have lost family members, who can't find their relatives, who are in uncertainty, who don't know what happened or what will happen. Sending a lot of strength from here," he expressed.
The forward of Inter Miami, named Most Valuable Player of the match after scoring one of the goals in Argentina's victory, joined the wave of support that several players have expressed during the World Cup.
Among them are the Colombians Luis Díaz and Richard Ríos, as well as the Englishman Jude Bellingham, who sent a message of encouragement to Venezuelans on July 1st: "A lot of strength to everyone in Venezuela and much love as well."
A tragedy that has mobilized sports and entertainment
Solidarity has also come from outside the playing fields. Georgina Rodríguez donated five stretchers to the Dr. Domingo Luciani Hospital in Caracas, as well as 50,000 euros to the organization World Central Kitchen. Daddy Yankee launched the humanitarian campaign "Puerto Rico x Venezuela", while Metallica contributed 100,000 dollars for the relief efforts.
This Sunday, Shakira also announced a donation of $500,000, through the Global Citizen Education Fund of FIFA, aimed at supporting Venezuelan children affected by the disaster.
Earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 struck northern Venezuela on June 24, just 39 seconds apart. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), it was the most intense seismic event recorded in the country since 1900.
According to the official report provided by Venezuelan authorities, the tragedy has resulted in 2,954 fatalities and 16,592 injuries. The UN also estimates that around 68,000 people remain missing and that approximately 6.76 million residents have been affected by the disaster.
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