25.01.2011 13:51

Messi and Soufian in a very special kickabout

www.fcbarcelona.cat

Leo Messi has met Soufian, a child with the Laurin-Sandrow syndrome that has meant the loss of both legs. But thanks to prosthetics with a Barça flavour, Soufian was able to play ball with the Argentinian.

On Tuesday morning, the FC Barcelona star discovered how in football, nothing is an obstacle to being able to kick a ball. And he learned thanks to a young boy of just ten years, Soufian, who is the embodiment of effort and the desire to achieve what he wants.

Emotional meeting

Soufian was born in Vic and lives in Manlleu, and suffers from the Laurin-Sandrow syndrome, an unusual illness that deforms the limbs. But now Soufian has two artificial legs and was able to use them to enjoy some time on the turf at the Ciutat Esportiva with Messi. The Argentinian passed him the ball, and the youngster was able to skilfully return it. It was a terrific moment for Soufian, who said “I like Messi more than all the others”.

Barça legs

His admiration for Messi is even evident in his prosthetics. From the knees to the thighs, Soufian’s legs are in the Barça colours and even have an inscription of Messi’s number ten. This came as a surprise to the Barça man, who wanted to touch the artificial legs and see what they are like.

A dream, come true

But that was not the end of the surprises for little Soufian, who not only got to meet his hero along with his family, but also watched the first team train. And there was no way Soufian was going home with his hands empty, and Messi allowed him to keep the ball they had played with.