Atlético Madrid midfielder’s comeback from brain cancer and mother’s paralysis sets off world’s biggest fundraising campaign
The biggest sporting story this year
The comeback of Barcelona legend Lionel Messi after a long battle with a form of brain cancer has made the sport of soccer headlines as more than 20,000 people from all over the world have signed a petition to take part in the Messi’s World Cup for Cerebral Palsy, designed to raise awareness and funds for the condition.
The petition, launched on the 24th anniversary of Messi’s diagnosis in December, has reached more than 20,000 signatures in just three months, taking to the streets of Barcelona city to demonstrate the need for change.
And there is more good news for Barcelona. On Sunday, Messi will be named captain by his club, for the first time in his career. However, he will come off the bench when they take on Paris Saint-Germain at the Nou Camp on Wednesday.
The world was shocked to hear the news. “It’s incredible what Messi has been through, and to see another person battle the same thing just shows how important it is that those of us suffering have an example,” added the Catalan national team player of the century on Sunday.
Here, we take a closer look at some of the biggest sporting stories of the year, starting with a return of Barcelona legend Lionel Messi who was diagnosed with a form of brain cancer in December.
The world was shocked that after suffering with a form of brain cancer for two consecutive years, Barcelona player Lionel Messi was diagnosed in December with a form of cancer
After suffering for two years from a cancer of the brain, Messi had to put the game on hold due to the condition.
But after winning the World Cup with Barcelona in the summer, this year will be another decisive moment for him to achieve the dream he had at Barcelona, to win the Champions League with the Catalan giants.
The Barcelona star will therefore come off the bench when they