Lionel Messi has donated €80,000 to support reconstruction efforts following the recent wildfires in Spain’s Madrid region.
The Argentina captain made the contribution to the reconstruction fund for Madrid’s western Sierra region after one of Spain’s worst recent wildfires caused widespread destruction. The donation amounts to around Tk 11.5 million.
Madrid regional president Isabel Díaz Ayuso confirmed the donation through social media and thanked Messi for his support.
“Lionel Messi has donated €80,000 for the reconstruction of Madrid’s western Sierra region. We sincerely thank him. We hope to welcome him to Madrid very soon and give him the recognition he deserves,” she wrote.
The wildfire spread rapidly across north-west Madrid last week and destroyed around 27,000 hectares of woodland and surrounding land.
More than 50,000 people suffered direct or indirect effects from the disaster. Authorities evacuated many residents, while others remained trapped in their homes until emergency services brought the situation under control.
The fires also caused extensive damage to homes, farmland and public infrastructure, prompting local authorities to begin a large-scale reconstruction programme.
Messi’s donation will contribute to those rebuilding efforts as communities continue to recover from the disaster.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has supported humanitarian causes throughout his career. He has regularly contributed to projects involving disaster relief, healthcare and children’s welfare, and his latest donation continues that work beyond football.
