Javier Saviola: Social commitment and football reflections after his experience in Iquitos

The former Argentine footballer, Javier Saviola, has given statements in which he highlights the importance and impact of his recent experience in the city of Iquitos, where he participated in an educational inclusion project promoted by Scotiabank, Fundación Barcelona, and World Vision. Saviola expressed that these were moving days in which he was able to come into direct contact with the reality of families living in extreme poverty, emphasizing the effort they make to survive and the joy of children at simple gestures such as taking a photograph. The former player, known for his time at clubs like Barcelona and Real Madrid, mentioned that this experience in Iquitos has changed his perspective and filled him with pride for the tireless work carried out by the organizations involved in the initiative. He highlighted the importance of transmitting values and hope to the less fortunate communities, emphasizing the need to leave a positive legacy for future generations. During his stay in Iquitos, Saviola was also asked about his view on the performance of the Argentine national team in the Copa América, where he highlighted the expectations of the Albiceleste fans and the role of Lionel Messi as the emblem of the team. He considered that Argentina has a solid project under the direction of Lionel Scaloni and a generation of talented footballers who excite fans with the possibility of conquering new titles. Regarding Messi, Saviola commented on the possibility of the Argentine star competing in the 2026 World Cup, highlighting his relevance and his role as a global football icon. Despite his age, Saviola sees Messi competing at the highest level and leaving an indelible mark on the history of the sport. Regarding the Peruvian national team, Saviola praised the figure of Paolo Guerrero, whom he compared to the legendary Argentine forward Gabriel Batistuta. He emphasized the importance of respecting Guerrero's career and talent, noting that his presence in the Peruvian team brings hierarchy and experience, despite considerations about his age in competitions like the Copa América. Saviola also mentioned his surprise at the performance of teams like Colombia and Venezuela in the Copa América, highlighting the growth and competitiveness of South American football. He stressed that the teams in the region are very tough and that the level of competition in South America is one of the most demanding worldwide, refuting claims from other players about the difficulty of tournaments on the continent. In summary, Javier Saviola's statements reflect his commitment to social and educational inclusion, as well as his positive view on South American football and the importance of valuing the legacy of players like Messi and Guerrero in the context of international competitions such as the Copa América.