Lionel Messi celebrated 200 million followers on Instagram with a message against abuse

Lionel Messi reached 200 million followers on his official Instagram account and took the opportunity to join the campaign against abuse in networks: "Let us raise our voice to stop abuse in social networks". The captain of the Argentina National Team and Barcelona FC wrote on his Instagram account (@leomessi): "I see that I have just reached the 200 million people who follow me on this network, however, because of what is happening today, I'm not going to take it as a reason to celebrate".

"Of course I appreciate all the love and support that I always receive from you, but I think the time has come to give importance to all the PEOPLE behind each profile, that we realize that behind each account there is a person of flesh and blood, who laughs, cries, enjoys and suffers, human beings with feelings", added Leo, who joined the #StopOnlineAbuse campaign carried out this weekend by the Premier League and the English clubs.

"It doesn't matter if we are anonymous, famous, athletes, referees or followers of a game, even someone outside all this, it does not matter the race, religion, ideology or gender... No one deserves to be mistreated or insulted. We live together watching and experiencing abuses, increasingly and worse in each of the networks, without anyone doing anything to prevent it. We must firmly condemn these hostile attitudes and demand that the companies that run the networks take urgent measures against these behaviors", he continued Messi.

With the hashtag #StopOnlineAbuse and a black and white photo, the Rosario footballer said: "I would like you, the 200 million people who accompany me, to become the 200 million reasons that exist to make networks a a safe and respectful place, where we can share what we want without fear of being insulted... and that insults, racism, abuse and discrimination remain outside of them forever".

"For you who are part of these networks and who are always next to me, I hope you will accompany me and support me in this crusade. I hug everyone and congratulate all the football people in the United Kingdom for their idea of putting together the campaign against abuse and discrimination in networks", concluded the message of the Argentine crack, which reached millions of likes in a few minutes.