Fact Check: Did Lionel Messi donate $5M and send 3 private planes to Venezuela earthquake victims?

WASHINGTON, DC: As Venezuela reels from the aftermath of devastating earthquakes, social media has been flooded with claims about celebrities stepping in to help. 

One viral X post alleged that football superstar Lionel Messi personally donated $5 million and dispatched three private planes loaded with medical supplies to support earthquake victims.

Claim: Lionel Messi donated $5 million to Venezuela after the earthquakes

An X user, @brfutboll, shared a viral post claiming, "BREAKING NEWS: Lionel Messi has donated $5 million & sent three private planes filled with various medical supplies to the earthquake victims in Venezuela. A great human being both on and off the field."

The claim began circulating as Messi and the 2026 FIFA World Cup dominated global headlines, increasing the visibility of stories involving the football star.

The post also emerged after powerful earthquakes measuring between 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude struck Venezuela.

The disaster reportedly killed more than 1,700 people, injured thousands, damaged infrastructure in Caracas and other areas, and affected millions of residents, creating an urgent need for shelter, medical care, clean water, and other essential aid.

Rescue teams continue to search for survivors as aftershocks hamper recovery efforts. International aid has started arriving to assist those affected by the disaster, while the powerful earthquakes damaged critical infrastructure, including airports, and triggered tsunami alerts in parts of the region.

Fact Check: Lionel Messi did not donate $5 million or send three private planes to Venezuela

The claim is false. There is no credible evidence that Lionel Messi personally donated $5 million or sent three private planes carrying medical supplies to earthquake victims in Venezuela. The viral post exaggerates and misrepresents the available information.

The claim appears to be based on a real humanitarian effort involving Messi's wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, who promoted a public fundraising campaign for earthquake relief.

The campaign reportedly raised millions of dollars through public donations, but there is no evidence that Messi personally contributed $5 million or arranged private aid flights.

The false claim also exploits the humanitarian crisis caused by the devastating June 24, 2026, earthquakes in Venezuela, using a well-known celebrity to boost engagement. News.meaww.com recently debunked a nearly identical viral claim involving Cristiano Ronaldo.

That post falsely alleged Ronaldo had sent two private planes loaded with medical supplies to Venezuela.

The claim originated from a known parody account and lacked any supporting evidence. Neither Ronaldo nor his representatives announced such a donation, and no credible news organization reported that he sent private aircraft carrying aid to Venezuela.