During the match between Inter Miami and Inter, a young Salvadoran had the opportunity to fulfill his dream of seeing Lionel Messi, thanks to a report broadcast by Telemundo 12.
In the municipality of Santo Tomás, El Salvador, we find the inspiring story of Levi Sandoval, a football enthusiast 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 just 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 Maria Sandoval, describes him as a warrior, although his path has been challenging.
When Levi learned that his hero, Lionel Messi, would be playing for Inter Miami against the Salvadoran national team, his excitement increased. He felt a connection with Messi and realized that they share a common language of hard work and perseverance due to their height. “During a commercial break, they mentioned that Messi faced a childhood challenge similar to mine, and that’s when I started to look up to him,” Levi said. “I realized that I looked up to him.”
His mother shared, “Levi is very smart; he is starting his first year of high school with an English diploma and 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 help. Dulce Maria recalled: “My son has always dreamed of meeting Messi since his days at Barcelona. I would tell him, ‘Someday, my love, God willing, we will make it happen. ’ I am grateful that the opportunity has finally presented itself and they are visiting our country.”
Levi’s wish is simple but sincere: “I want to meet Messi, even if just for a moment, take photos and have him sign my shirt. It would be incredible to have that opportunity.”
