As one of the main sponsors and an ambassador for the #ParaLosValientes campaign, Lionel Messi has laid the foundations for the new Pediatric Cancer Centre in Barcelona on Tuesday.
The Argentine appeared delighted to have been able to contribute to this cause.
“It’s a very happy moment for me, it’s extraordinary to be part of this project and see it become a reality,” he said at the ceremony.
“I want to thank everyone who worked to make this possible.
“I hope that with this, the kids can continue fighting this cancer disease which is so cruel and that we can help them do so.
“I feel very happy to be able to collaborate in this dream.”
With this ceremony, the Barcelona player effectively set in motion the building of this children’s hospital which hopes to become a reference point throughout Europe.
It is estimated that the building could open in the second half of 2020.
To build the hospital, donations have come from more than 100,000 individuals, 150 companies and ten founding donors.
Since February 2017, 27.3 million euros have been raised of the 30 million needed to complete the work.
Although building will start without having collected the full sum, Jordi Cardoner, Barcelona’s vice-president, announced during the ceremony that between Barcelona and the Leo Messi Foundation, they would make up the remaining money needed.
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