Leo Messi is one of the stars of a new campaign from European football’s governing body UEFA. The Barça number 10 features in a video that promotes inclusivity, diversity and accessibility in football on the continent. The campaign is titled #EqualGame and it aims to show that football can help in various ways in society, creating a positive public profile and highlighting football for older people, women’s youth football and football for the physically challenged.

Messi, a regular contributor to various other UEFA campaigns such as the ‘Say no to racism’ initiative along with Carles Puyol, says: “During my career football has taught me many things but above all it is a universal game open to everyone, regardless of race, age, gender, sexual orientation and religious beliefs.”

The Argentine adds: “The fact that football acts as a leveller in our society is a source of great pride for all involved. We are all different but we are all united by a common passion, a sport that belongs to all of us and each one of us. I am totally behind the #EqualGame campaign because I believe in the power of sport and its ability to change of way of looking at the world.”

#EqualGame makes it clear that everyone has the right to enjoy football, regardless of who you are, where you come from and how you play. The campaign also features Olympique Lyonnais striker Ada Hegerberg, Paul Pogba from Manchester United and Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo.