Coronavirus: Lionel Messi and Pep Guardiola each donate one million euros to fight the pandemic

Barcelona legend and Manchester City manager help clinics and campaign

File photo dated 03-10-2018 of Barcelona's Lionel Messi. PA Photo. Issue date: Friday March 20, 2020. Lionel Messi broke Barcelona’s 60-year-old goalscoring record eight years ago today. See PA story Show more

Barcelona forward Lionel Messi and Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola have each donated one million euros (Dh4m) towards the fight against coronavirus.

Argentina international Messi’s donation will be split between Hospital Clinic in Barcelona and another medical centre in his home country, according to a report in Spanish newspaper Marca.

"Leo Messi made a donation to the clinic to fight the coronavirus," Hospital Clinic wrote on Twitter. "Thank you very much, Leo, for your commitment and your support."

Former Barcelona player and manager Guardiola made his contribution to a campaign launched by the Angel Soler Daniel Foundation and Medical College of Barcelona.

“Pep Guardiola has made a donation of one million euros to the Angel Soler Daniel Foundation for the acquisition and supply of health equipment to deal with the Covid-19 pandemic,” said a statement from the College.

“The donation campaign promoted by the Medical College of Barcelona and managed through the Angel Soler Daniel Foundation aims to collect medical materials and financial contributions from collegiate doctors and the general population, for the purchase of medical equipment and equipment that is currently lacking in health centres in Catalonia.

“It will also help finance the alternative production, through 3D printing and other methods, of respirators and personal protection equipment for healthcare staff.”

Before Guardiola made his donation, the campaign had raised 33,000 euros in three days.

Spain is the country worst affected by the disease in Europe outside of Italy.