Overview
- Lionel Messi posed with Everton de La Plata’s jersey to support funding for synthetic turf at the club’s Barrio Aeropuerto ground, and the photo spread rapidly on social media.
- The shirt he held carries the name and number of Marcelo Fortes, the late club president, adding a commemorative note to the campaign.
- Everton has ordered the turf with arrival expected by late 2025, but the club reports it still needs money to complete installation.
- Luis Martín, a coach with Argentina’s national team and Everton’s historic top scorer, served as the key link securing Messi’s involvement.
- Earlier fundraising included Emiliano “Dibu” Martínez’s donated gloves for a raffle, with Messi’s signed shirt now positioned as the marquee prize in a quietly organized effort backed by figures close to the national team and lower-division leaders.