During the match between Inter Miami and Inter, a young boy from El Salvador had the chance to fulfill his dream of seeing Lionel Messi, thanks to a report aired on Telemundo 12.
In the municipality of Santo Tomás, El Salvador, we find the inspiring story of Levi Sandoval, a passionate soccer fan who can captivate anyone who learns about his life and watches him play.
Levi was born with Russell Silver Syndrome, which affects normal growth, and doctors initially gave him a life expectancy of only six months. His condition leaves him underweight and shorter than his peers. Although he has been receiving growth hormone treatment for four years, he does not produce it naturally. His mother, Dulce María Sandoval, describes him as a warrior, though their journey has been challenging.
When Levi learned that his hero, Lionel Messi, would be playing for Inter Miami against the Salvadoran national team, his excitement soared. He felt a connection with Messi, realizing they share a common language of hard work and perseverance due to their stature. “During a commercial break, they mentioned that Messi faced a childhood challenge similar to mine, and that’s when I started to admire him,” Levi said. “I realized I looked up to him.”
His mother shared, “Levi is very intelligent; he’s starting his first year of high school with an English diploma, and he teaches Bible school at our school.” Levi is set to complete his high school education this year.
To help make Levi’s dream come true, the Sandoval family reached out to the event organizers for assistance. Dulce María reminisced, “My son has always dreamed of meeting Messi since his Barcelona days. I used to tell him, ‘Someday, my love, God willing, we’ll make it happen.’ I’m grateful that the opportunity has finally come, and they’re visiting our country.”
Levi’s wish is simple yet heartfelt: “I want to meet Messi, even if just for a moment, take photos, and have him sign my shirt. It would be amazing to have that chance.”
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