The charitable legacy of Javier Saviola in Iquitos, Peru, and his football reflections.

The former Argentine footballer, Javier Saviola, recently shared his experience in a project in Iquitos, Peru, driven by Scotiabank, the Barcelona Foundation, and World Vision. During his visit to this Amazonian city, Saviola was able to delve into the reality of families living in extreme poverty, where the struggle to survive is palpable. Amidst this experience, the former player was moved to see the joy and hope in the faces of the children, who, despite their hardships, showed a radiant smile and gratitude for the visit. The experience in Iquitos left a mark on Saviola, who emphasized the importance of providing support to these vulnerable communities. The former footballer stressed the need to continue with initiatives that promote educational inclusion and the well-being of those facing adverse conditions in their daily lives. Furthermore, he highlighted the value of transmitting values and making a positive impact on people's lives, especially on the younger ones, who represent the future. During his stay in Iquitos, Saviola also had the opportunity to reflect on the global impact of football. The children, despite their difficult situation, pronounced the name of Lionel Messi with admiration, demonstrating the universal reach of the Argentine star. Saviola praised Messi as an emblem of football and an example of overcoming obstacles for the new generations, highlighting his influence in sports and society in general. Regarding the current football situation, Saviola shared his views on the Argentine National Team in the Copa America, pointing out the fans' expectations and Lionel Messi's role as the team's leader. The elimination of the 'Albiceleste' in the World Cup has relieved some pressure on the captain, allowing him to enjoy his game and establish himself as one of the greats in world football. Saviola also talked about Messi's career and the possibility of him participating in the 2026 World Cup, although he acknowledged the player's statements about a possible short-term retirement. He also highlighted Lionel Scaloni's work as the coach of the Argentine national team, emphasizing his projection and recent achievements in the Copa America and the Finalissima. Regarding the situation of the Peruvian National Team, Saviola praised Paolo Guerrero as a top striker and highlighted his importance to the national team. Despite the adverse results in the Copa America and the Qualifiers, Saviola urged to respect Guerrero's career and talent, who at 40 years old continues to be a reference for Peruvian football. Finally, Saviola highlighted the growth of teams like Colombia and Venezuela in the Copa America, pointing out their evolution and competitiveness on the international stage. He also reaffirmed the difficulty and level of demand in the South American Qualifiers, refuting Kylian Mbappé's claims about the alleged superiority of the Euros over South American football.