Barcelona legends to face Greek veterans on Lesvos
Former Barcelona stars will take part in a friendly match against veterans of the Greek national squad on Lesvos to honor the eastern Aegean island’s role during the ongoing refugee crisis.
Teams will face off at the municipal stadium of Mytilene, the island’s capital, on Thursday at 6.30 p.m.
Former Barcelona defender Edmilson, right back Juliano Belleti, Panathinaikos striker Nikos Lymberopoulos and OFI midfielder Nikos Nioplias are among those in the squads.
The game is organized by the municipality of Lesvos, the FC Barcelona Foundation and the Union of Barcelona players. It is part of a broader program implemented by the Barcelona Foundation and the Stavros Niarchos Foundation.
“Sport is egalitarian, it is inclusive, it is transformative. Sport welcomes everyone without discrimination,” Lesvos Mayor Spyros Galinos said ahead of the game.
“This event honors the people of Lesvos for their contribution during the refugee crisis. It also highlights an ongoing, worldwide humanitarian disaster that persists because of war, poverty or climate change,” he added.
