Leo
Messi foundation was founded in 2007, which encouraged the facilitation
of education and health care for the deserving children. In an
interview, messi is reported to have said, “Being a bit famous now gives
me the opportunity to help people who really need it, especially
children." He got his motivation to start this foundation from his own
childhood, when he suffered from growth hormone deficiency. Thus, his
foundation treats Argentinean children who have been diagnosed with
illnesses by transporting them to Spain and covering all the expenses of
their medical treatment as well as of transport. The foundation is
funded through Messi’s personal fund raising activities and is also
supported by Herbalife. He signed a three year contract in 2010 with
Herbalife which support the Leo Messi Foundation.
Promotional Activities:
Leonal
Messi is featured on the covers of video games Pro Evolution Soccer
2009 and Pro Evolution Soccer 2011. He is also involved heavily in the
promotion of both these games. He, along with Fernando Torres, was the
face of Pro Evolution Soccer 2010, and was also involved in the trailer.
The German sportswear company Adidas also supports Messi and is
featured in their television advertisements. In November 2010, however,
he was confirmed as the new face of Pro evolution soccer video games
rival FiFa when he became the cover star for their series FIFA Street
2012. He will also be on the covers of FIFA 2013.
Wealth and Salary:
In
March 2010, he was ranked at the top of the list of the world's richest
footballers, ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo and David Beckham, by France
football. His returns equal £29.6 million (€33 million) in combined
income from salaries, bonuses and off-field earnings. His net wealth is
estimated at $110 million.
