Years ago, the extremist Islamic Hamas forces attacked Israel, causing panic around the world. The fierce clashes claimed many lives, with Niz Or (Southern Israel) being one of the hardest-hit areas.
But right there witnessed an incredible story about Messi. However, it is a 100% true story recounted by 90-year-old grandmother Ester Cunio on Spanish television.
Ester Cunio, now 90 years old, is from Argentina but has been living in Israel since the 1980s. During the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, she and 8 members of her family were captured, but just by mentioning Messi, she was released by the kidnappers.
The night before the extremist Islamic Hamas attack, Ester was having dinner with her extended family of 20 people. But after the attack, only 12 people remained, as 8 were abducted by Hamas.
Ester recounted that on that morning, there was a knock on the door, and two Hamas members burst in with guns. They asked her where her family was. Ester replied that she didn’t know and that she was alone at home. One of them yelled at her: “You have to come with us, there’s only fire here,” angry that the old woman didn’t speak both Hebrew and English well.
“I told him that I speak Spanish, I’m from Argentina,” Ester recounted.
The kidnapper didn’t even know what Argentina was. Ester took a risk and asked further:
/i.s3.glbimg.com/v1/AUTH_1f551ea7087a47f39ead75f64041559a/internal_photos/bs/2024/Y/w/AaBZsAS82wRqdJlSCVhw/3hbpn1wgr-720x0-1.jpg "A 90-year-old grandmother miraculously escaped death by calling out Messi's name 2")
– Do you watch football?
– Football, yes, I really like it.
– I’m from where Messi is from.
– Messi, I really admire Messi.
After hearing Messi’s name, the kidnapper’s attitude completely changed. He happily lowered his gun, handed it to Ester, and took a commemorative photo together.
Ester was freed by mentioning Messi’s name, but unfortunately, her grandchildren were not as lucky. The other 8 family members were kidnapped by the Hamas group.
The unbelievable story but true story was recounted by grandmother Ester Cunio in the Spanish documentary “Voces del 7 de Octubre” (Voices of October 7). This film aims to recount the events of October 7, 2023, when the Hamas forces attacked Israel.”