Lionel Messi Sends Heartfelt Message to Victims of Morocco Earthquake

• A magnitude-7 earthquake struck Morocco on Friday, September 8, leaving scores dead
• A number of football stars have since responded in different ways to the tragedy
• Lionel Messi joined the world in mourning those who lost their lives

Inter Miami star Lionel Messi joined his long-term rival Cristiano Ronaldo and a string of other big names in football in mourning the lives lost in the devastating earthquake in Morocco.

The natural disaster rocked the province of Marrakechon on Friday, September 8, and as of Sunday, the death toll stood at 2122 people.

The Moroccan interior ministry estimates that a further 2,421 people were left injured by the Magnitude-7 earthquake, which was so intense that it was reportedly felt in some parts of Portugal. It is the strongest tremor to hit Morocco in the last century.

Messi’s message

On Sunday, Lionel Messi took to his social media with a heartfelt message to Morocco.

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"My condolences to all the families of the earthquake victims in Morocco," the Argentina captain’s message read.

"All the strength to the injured and the people who were affected by the terrible catastrophe.”

Messi’s former teammate at PSG, Achraf Hakimi, was also quick with his actions to aid his home country Morocco as he led calls for blood donations across the country, as cited on Ligue1.com.

Incidentally, the earthquake took place as Hakimi was back in his home country for the international break. The winger also donated blood.

"At this moment, the top priority is to provide blood to those in critical condition. Blood donation is the responsibility of each and every one of us to save as many lives as possible. Your help is indispensable," Hakimi stated on his social media.

Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo is also playing his part in aiding victims of the earthquake, as Marca reports that his hotel in the outskirts of Marrakech has been offered as a refuge for victims of the earthquake.

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Messi mobbed by fans

Sports Brief also reported on how Messi was mobbed by fans in his native Argentina.

The Argentina captain was seen leaving a facility on Saturday after undergoing medical tests to check on his condition.

In a video circulating online, fans cheered on the football legend, whose status for the upcoming game against Bolivia remains uncertain at this stage.