The celebration in the dressing room was in full swing… The team was enjoying their Cup victory when Ballon d’Or Leo Messi entered the room, and far from joining the party wanted his teammates to the give a thought for a good cause. Timid and quiet, he had to raise his voice to get their attention: “Guys… guys, one moment. I want to say something. I intend to donate all that they have given me for the construction of the new La Masia.”
For being chosen as the best player of the tournament, Messi was awarded an individual trophy, a 4-wheel drive Toyota and a wad of cash – 22,000 euros; and he is giving all of the money to the club.
It is his way of giving a little something more back to the institution that welcomed him when he was only 13. Even though Messi seldom slept at the school’s dorm, he did however live the life of a La Masia student or canteranos, by spending much of his time there.
FC Barcelona has in its future plans a new training facility at the Ciutat Esportivo and is trying to raise cash by selling some of its real-estate. Work on the new La Masia is expected to begin sometime next year.
olé