Football icon Lionel Messi has donated €80,000 (approximately £68,500) towards the restoration of an area near Madrid devastated by recent wildfires.
Isabel Diaz Ayuso, president of the Community of Madrid, confirmed the donation from the former Barcelona star.
Writing on X, Ms Diaz Ayuso expressed her gratitude, stating: “Leo Messi has donated €80,000 for the reconstruction of the Sierra Oeste de Madrid. I want to thank him and tell him that the people of Madrid hope to welcome him soon to give him the applause he deserves.”
The Sierra Oeste region, west of the Spanish capital, has endured significant damage from the blazes, with widespread destruction to land and property, and residents forced to evacuate.
Messi is well-known for his philanthropic efforts, having founded the Leo Messi Foundation in 2007 to support children and young people through health, education, and sport initiatives.
Messi’s generous contribution comes after he returned to action for Inter Miami over the weekend for his first match since starring at this summer’s World Cup.
Messi scored eight goals for Argentina at the World Cup, including a hat-trick in the team’s opening group match against Algeria.
He went on to score a brace against Austria, while also finding the net against Jordan, Cape Verde and Egypt as Argentina reached the final for the third time in the last four World Cups.
However, they were unable to defend the crown they won in 2022 as they suffered a 1-0 defeat by Spain after extra time in the final.
Ferran Torres broke Argentine hearts with his winning goal in extra time, and Messi broke down in tears after the final whistle of what may prove to be his final game for Argentina.
Messi also received criticism after the final for appearing to try to get Spanish defender Marc Cucurella sent off for covering his mouth while talking.
The incident occurred after Argentine midfielder Enzo Fernandez had been sent off for a rash tackle on Pau Cubarsi to leave the South American nation down to 10 men.
Messi was then seen speaking with Cucurella, before motioning for VAR to get involved and send off Cucurella for covering his mouth. The incident was checked and Cucurella was clear to continue playing.