Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo Donate $2.16M To Help Fight Pandemic Coronavirus

Soccer legends Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo reportedly have donated a combined $2.16 million to help their cities fight coronavirus.

FC Barcelona skipper Messi has made a contribution of a total of $1.08m to two hospitals, one in Barcelona and the other in his native Argentina, as reported by Mundo Deportivo.

Ronaldo and his agent Jorge Mendes have donated $1.08m to three intensive care units for patients undergoing treatment for coronavirus at hospitals in Lisbon and Porto.

Meanwhile, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has donated $1.08m to aid his home country Spain fight the pandemic virus.

The money will be used in providing medical equipment in Spain, which is the second-most affected country in Europe after Italy with 2,696 deaths and almost 40,000 positive cases.

Guardiola hails from the region of Catalonia, which is the worst affected part in the whole of Spain.

The former Barca player and coach made the donation to a campaign launched by the Angel Soler Daniel Foundation and Medical College of Barcelona. Before Guardiola’s contribution, the campaign had raised $35,000 in three days.

“The campaign aims to collect medical materials and financial contributions from collegiate doctors and the general population, for the purchase of medical equipment and equipment that is currently lacking in health centers in Catalonia. It will also help finance the alternative production, through 3D printing and other methods, of respirators and personal protection equipment for healthcare staff,” the college said a statement.

It was also known that last week Bayern Munich forward Robert Lewandowski donated $1.08m in Germany, while his teammates Leon Goretzka and Joshua Kimmich have started a fund, called We Kick Corona, to try and battle the rising crisis, donating $54,000 each.

“We are all aware of the difficult situation. Today we all play in a team. Let us be strong in this fight. If we can help someone, let's do it. This situation affects every one of us, so we ask you to follow the instructions and listen to those who know best. Be responsible,” Lewandowski said recently in an interview.