Adidas talks to Hackney schools over Lionel Messi Marshes madness

Sponsors looking for way to take away disappointment for children

YOUNGSTERS hoping to play football with superstar Lionel Messi look set to be disappointed after organisers said it was unlikely to happen.

Players from Bridge Academy and Cardinal Pole Catholic School were due to play a match with the Barcelona star on Hackney Marshes two weeks ago.

The event had to be cancelled after hundreds of excited fans turned up to get a glimpse of their hero and the school players missed the opportunity of a lifetime.

Event organisers Adidas told the Gazette that they were not planning to bring Messi back to the UK to meet any of the children but hoped to find a way to cheer the youngsters up.

An Adidas spokesman said: “There are no plans afoot to get Lionel Messi back to Hackney as it is very unusual to get someone of his stature in England.

“The children knew they were about to do something amazing but they did not know what it was.

“Both teams were kitted out in brand new boots and kits but we are currently in talks with both schools to find a way to take away some of the disappointment of not playing with Lionel.”