The mention of Lionel Messi’s name proved instrumental in saving a Jewish Argentinian grandmother from armed intruders.
The universality of Messi’s name, reflecting his global popularity, played a remarkable role in this heartwarming story.
How Lionel Messi’s name proved pivotal
On October 7, Ester Cunio faced armed intruders in her home at the Israeli Kibbutz Nir Oz. Despite her family being present, it was the mention of Msname that proved pivotal in the situation.
Confronted by gunmen demanding information about her family, Cunio, expressing difficulty in Hebrew, opted to speak in Argentine Spanish.
Recounting the incident to Fuente Latina, she shared, “I told him not to talk to me because I didn’t understand his language. The Arab language, and I speak poor Hebrew.
I speak Argentinian Spanish, so he asks what Argentina is. Then I tell him, ‘do you watch football?’ He said he liked it, and I told him I am from Messi’s country.”
“He was surprised and told me he loves Messi. He put his arm on my shoulder, gave me his gun, he made me do the peace sign and they snapped the picture.
Now I hope that if Messi watches this and sees I was saved because of him, I would ask him to help my grandchildren who are still abducted.
They are good kids. Their names are David and Ariel,” she further added.
Despite the news getting viral, there has been no response from Messi.
But this is not the first time the Argentine’s name has been used in such a situation, and it highlights his worldwide impact, which goes beyond sports and serves as a symbol of peace.
Messi is currently with Inter Miami, who are participating in the MLS. Messi and Miami have begun their MLS campaign on a strong note, and will be looking to build on their start.
