Barcelona and Argentina superstar Lionel Messi is to visit Qatar next week to launch a new global youth initiative in partnership with his Foundation.

In partnership with Ooredoo, with whom Messi became a global ambassador in February this year, the reigning four-time World Player of the Year will take part in a range of activities in Qatar to promote sport and connect with the community.

Aside from hosting a football coaching session in Doha for the children taking part in Ooredoo’s initiatives he will also make a “major announcement” at a ceremony this coming Monday.

“I’m looking forward to coming to Qatar and partnering with Ooredoo on initiatives to enhance opportunities for youth from around the world,” said Messi.

“Whether on the football pitch or off it, I’m always glad to make a difference in the community, and bring smiles to children’s faces.”

The children’s delegation will include children from Qatar, as well as young people from Palestine, Indonesia, Iraq, Algeria, Tunisia, Oman, Kuwait and the Maldives – all countries in which Ooredoo companies play an active role in promoting life chances for youth.

Part of the delegation will be a young girl from Palestine who won an international writing contest, a young boy from Baghdad, Iraq who overcame the loss of a leg to pursue his dream, sporting talents from North Africa and other young people from across Ooredoo’s footprint with inspiring life stories.

As well as meeting their hero, the children will also have the chance to visit some of Qatar’s most famous destinations, including the Museum of Islamic Art and the Katara Cultural District.

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