Soccer star Lionel Messi was recently sentenced to 21 months in prison for tax evasion and will not have to spend a day behind bars due to Spanish law. Because he has been through so much agony and grief (/sarcasm) FC Barcelona is helping spread the word to gather as much public support for their star player by taking to social media.
No, really. A social media campaign of public support for Messi is underway, with Barcelona asking for fans to share an image with both hands open online to help show their support for Messi.
Using the hashtag #WeAreAllLeoMessi while posting a photo or message with both hands open, the campaign is encouraging all Barça fans to express their sympathy for the greatest footballer in the world by voicing their unconditional support on social networks.
By making it clear that #WeAreAllMessi, we want Leo to know that he is not alone. All members, supporters clubs, fans, athletes, media and everyone else are invited to participate.
https://twitter.com/jmbartomeu/status/751468491975385088
Using the hashtag #WeAreAllLeoMessi while posting a photo or message with both hands open pic.twitter.com/NpbYhibp8H
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) July 9, 2016
Uhhh…
There are many reasons for showing public support for those in need of support. Showing support for those fighting cancer, crime, terror, injustice, education budget cuts, hunger, homelessness, unemployment? Absolutely, show your support any way you can. Showing your public support for a soccer mega star being paid oodles of money to be among the best athletes in the world and living a super star life without feeling the need to pay taxes on his earnings? No, probably not the best cause to rally behind.
And yes, Messi is getting his share of support on Twitter…
https://twitter.com/MessiWorId/status/751822461356814337
I support my idol, we are with you. 👐🏾 #WeAreAllLeoMessi pic.twitter.com/B1h02xZhe7
— D5 💐 (@DoyleHarr5_) July 9, 2016
https://twitter.com/s_iiix/status/751804054259499008
… but Barcelona and this whole campaign is justifiably getting ripped to shreds too.
#WeAreAllLeoMessi because we can all afford to dodge paying taxes of €4.1 million.
— Rob Murphy (@roobmurph) July 9, 2016
The horrible little tax dodger is great at football and should be above the law. Am I doing this right? @FCBarcelona #WeAreAllLeoMessi
— Unfitforpurpose (@unfitforpurpose) July 9, 2016
No,we aren't #WeAreAllLeoMessi. We pay our taxes and we have no club behind us to whitewash our actions. What a joke https://t.co/PDaAW4X71E
— Manuel Breuer (@Binger05) July 9, 2016
https://twitter.com/CR689908/status/751802901354405888
https://twitter.com/Uwnayna/status/751822690114297860
We talk about tone-deaf tweets from time to time, but this was one poorly-thought-out attempt at a social media campaign. If only we could all truly be like Messi, earning millions and not having to serve any time for not paying taxes. What a life.
