Lionel Messi's foundation helps fund Barcelona pediatric cancer centre treating 400 children yearly

The Leo Messi Foundation was engaged early in the creation of the SJD Pediatric Cancer Center Barcelona, helping finance its architectural plans and kick-starting the fundraising campaign. When the project still required €2.6 million to meet the €30 million target, the foundation and the Stavros Niarchos Foundation supplied the shortfall, becoming two of ten founding donors. The centre opened in 2022, expanding Hospital Sant Joan de Déu’s capacity to treat about 400 new childhood cancer cases each year.

Messi’s philanthropy, launched in 2007, also spans UNICEF ambassadorship, education initiatives in Colombia and Syria, and a 2025 partnership between the Inter Miami CF Foundation and UNICEF covering several Latin American nations. A digital artwork of his 2009 Champions League header, sold at Christie’s for $1.87 million, helped fund that partnership. The Barcelona cancer centre represents a lasting health-focused legacy beyond his football achievements.