With his 20th professional championship secured, Lionel Messi’s focus can shift to his summer schedule, including the upcoming Messi & Friends Versus the Rest of the World, the soccer all-star exhibition set to take place Saturday, July 6 at Chicago’s Soldier Field. Sources close to Messi confirmed today that his minor hamstring injury will not deter him from participating in the upcoming event, which is will feature more than 36 all-stars from around the globe. MessiChicago.com is the official site for information on the upcoming friendly.
“I am happy that this event is coming together so well, and am glad I can still be a part of it,” said the four-time World Player of the Year recipient. “I’m looking forward to being in the great city of Chicago during America’s Independence Day weekend and adding to the celebration with an event that will include many of the greatest players from around the world. You should be there too!”
As the July 6 date approaches, final details for the friendly continue to be released. Numero 5, the organizers of the event, announced recently that Poland national team striker Robert Lewandowski has joined the roster for the match. Lewandowski will be joined by Cesc Fabregas, Giovani dos Santos, Thierry Henry and David Luiz, among others.
Numero 5 also announced that they have established official media partnerships with Telemundo Chicago, Comcast and NBC Chicago. Additionally, El Patron 95.5 FM, ESPN Deportes 97.5 FM and KISS FM 103.5, have agreements as the official radio partners.
Fans interested in tickets and tour packages, including staying at the same hotel as the players, can go to www.messichicago.com. The site includes special arrangements with the Hyatt properties in Chicago. Hyatt is an official sponsor of Messi & Friends.
Messi and Friends vs. the Rest of the World is a special international showcase in support of the Leo Messi Foundation and its ongoing initiative to help sick and at-risk Argentine children access opportunities to lead full, healthy lives. The charity was founded in 2007 by Lionel Messi, the highly decorated international soccer sensation. In 2010 UNICEF named Messi a goodwill ambassador, focused on supporting children’s rights.
