Lionel Messi has honoured the achievements of a blind 10-year-old British footballer by selecting him in a ‘dream team’ which acknowledges the challenges experienced by those living with visual impairment. Barcelona star Messi has become an ambassador to support the blind and visually impaired, with Mikey Poulli among 12 youngsters from across the world singled out for their courage in the face of adversity. Arsenal fan Mikey completely lost his sight after being diagnosed with the incurable eye disease Rod Cone Dystrophy following a routine test at the age of six. “It (football) means everything because I love it and I play it all the time and I watch it,” Mikey said. The artificial vision device allows the visually impaired to understand text and identify objects and people through audio feedback.

Source: Express September 09, 2020 15:00 UTC