Messi calls for end to violence against Syrian children

Argentine and FC Barcelona star Lionel Messi has also turned to Facebook to raise awareness for the suffering of Syrian children after his rival Cristiano Ronaldo took a similar move earlier Wednesday.

Messi wrote on his Facebook page: “Don't let the #childrenofsyria lose another year to bloodshed and suffering.”

He urged his fans to sign a petition to world leaders calling for “an end to the violence against Syrian children, an end to the blocking of humanitarian aid, an end to attacks on humanitarian workers, schools and hospitals, [and] more investment in education and psychological protection for all children affected.”

At the end of his message, he provided a link to the petition posted on Change.org.

Messi’s Facebook message was “liked” by more than 13,000 uses and attracted about 700 comments up to the writing of this article.

Alaa Emara, a Facebook user from Egypt, commented on Messi’s post saying: “You are a great person before being a great player God blesses you and your family.”

Another user said: "Respect from a muslim .. thank you leo.."

Ammar Al-Ayyubi, from Syria said: “Much love for you from here #syria you are the best♡ i hope to meet you.”