Lionel Messi Surprises UNC Basketball with $5.6 Million Donation to Support Coach Hubert Davis and Youth Programs
In an unexpected and inspiring act of generosity, global soccer icon Lionel Messi has donated $5.6 million to the University of North Carolina’s basketball program. The donation is set to support head coach Hubert Davis’s efforts to strengthen youth development initiatives both within the UNC basketball program and the broader Chapel Hill community.
The news of Messi’s contribution came as a surprise to many, not only because of his limited public ties to college basketball, but also due to the sheer scale and specificity of the gift. According to university officials, Messi’s donation will be divided between enhancing the resources available to UNC men’s basketball under Coach Davis, expanding youth outreach programs, and upgrading training facilities aimed at developing young athletes.
Messi, widely regarded as one of the greatest soccer players of all time, has a long history of charitable work through his Leo Messi Foundation, focusing on education, healthcare, and youth development around the world. However, this marks one of his most high-profile philanthropic gestures directed toward American college sports — and basketball in particular.
In a brief statement released through the university, Messi shared his motivation behind the generous donation:
“Sports have the power to change lives, build character, and inspire hope. I’ve seen the incredible work Coach Hubert Davis is doing at UNC, especially in how he mentors and uplifts young athletes. This donation is about supporting that mission and helping future generations grow on and off the court.”
Coach Hubert Davis, a former UNC player turned head coach, expressed deep gratitude for Messi’s contribution.
“I’m blown away by Lionel Messi’s generosity,” Davis said. “This goes beyond money — it’s a recognition of our mission to develop strong young men through basketball. We want to mold players who can lead both on the court and in life. This donation will make a lasting impact on that vision.”
The funds are expected to aid several ongoing initiatives, including UNC’s summer youth basketball camps, academic tutoring programs for student-athletes, and facility renovations at the Dean E. Smith Center. A portion will also be allocated to community outreach programs that introduce underprivileged youth to organized sports and mentorship opportunities.
University officials noted that this unprecedented gesture from a non-basketball global athlete underscores the far-reaching impact of UNC’s culture and Coach Davis’s leadership style. Chancellor Kevin Guskiewicz called it “a moment of unity between two worlds — global football and American college basketball — rooted in shared values of mentorship, excellence, and community.”
Though some speculated about Messi’s motivation, sources close to the star say he was particularly moved by UNC’s emphasis on education, sportsmanship, and community impact. He reportedly watched a documentary on college athletics in the U.S. and was impressed by how Davis used basketball as a tool to mentor and uplift students from all walks of life.
As word of the donation spreads, UNC’s program is already experiencing a wave of excitement and optimism. More than just a financial boost, Messi’s surprise act signals the universal language of sports — and how stars from one game can inspire and empower players in another.
