Lionel Messi Donates Signed Jersey to Selena Gomez’s Rare Impact Fund

The crossover you didn’t expect: soccer superstar Lionel Messi has made a generous donation to Selena Gomez’s mental health initiative, The Rare Impact Fund. Messi donated a signed Argentina jersey to raise funds for the charity, which aims to tackle mental health problems globally. 

Bidding began at $1,000 but has since reached $6,000, and there is time until October 31st when a winner will be elected. The section for auctions on the charity’s webpage reads: “Take home a jersey signed by one of the best soccer players in the world,” with the photo of the Argentine captain.

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The event aims to raise funds to expand access to mental health services for young people. As per a press statement, “By donating his signed jersey, Messi not only supports the cause but also uses his influence to raise awareness about mental health. With his immense popularity and global following, Messi’s contribution is likely to inspire others to get involved and make a difference in the lives of young people struggling with mental health issues.”

Selena’s Connection With Mental Health

Selena Gomez has been open about her own struggles with her mental health and is an advocate for mental health awareness. She has spoken publicly about her experiences with anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder.

“Mental health is personal for me. I went a long time without the mental health support I needed because I didn’t understand what I was feeling. After experiencing what felt like endless highs and lows that would take me out for weeks at a time, I finally got the support I needed to better understand what I was going through. But I’m learning every day that supporting my mental health is a journey. Not every day is perfect -it’s not for me, and it’s not for everyone. And too many people don’t have access to the resources and education they need to support their mental health,” she states on the Rare Impact Fund website.

“That’s why I started the Rare Impact Fund. The Rare Impact Fund is committed to expanding access to mental health services and education for young people everywhere. We work with a strong network of supporters and experts to bring mental health resources into educational settings that reach young people. Because no one–regardless of age, race, gender, sexual orientation, or background should struggle alone,” Selena adds.

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What Is The Rare Impact Fund?

The Rare Impact Fund aims to spread awareness about mental health and self-acceptance and help people get help. Over the next decade, it seeks to raise $100 million to enhance access to mental health services and education for young people globally. The fund collaborates with grantees, donors, and the community to combat the stigma surrounding mental illness and provide resources for youth. This includes creating and disseminating free mental health content through various channels.

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One percent of Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez sales are contributed to the Rare Impact Fund, in addition to funds from foundations, individuals, corporate partners, and the community. Their mission is to create a network of mental health partners and advocates to reshape the conversation on mental health. They mobilize the community to amplify engagement while allocating resources and capital to global initiatives.

The Rare Impact Fund supports nonprofit organizations and fosters holistic partnerships, encouraging collaboration across sectors and communities. They leverage creative assets to amplify messaging and raise funds with philanthropic partners and the community. Additionally, they measure the impact of their efforts and deploy capital to support mental health partners, with a goal to grow the mental health community.

Mental health struggles among young people have been on the rise in recent years. According to the World Health Organization, one in six people aged 10-19 years old experience mental health problems globally. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among 15-29-year-olds.