Kansas City boy recovering from burns sends birthday message to Lionel Messi
By Andy Alcock
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KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KMBC) — A young Kansas City fan of Argentina’s superstar Lionel Messi is on the road to recovery after accidentally falling into a fire pit Saturday.
According to his parents, Christian Holmes, 6, was more upset about his Messi jersey being destroyed than his injuries.
From his hospital bed, Christian delivered birthday greetings to Messi, who turned 39 on Wednesday.
“Hi Messi. I watched the World Cup. Hope you have a good birthday. Go Argentina,” Christian said in a video.
In another video, the boy explained what happened to him.
“I was at my friend’s house; there was a bonfire. I fell into the bonfire, and I burnt my Messi jersey,” he said.
Christian’s parents, Andrea and Matt Holmes, said the quick response from a fire chief neighbor who saw what happened helped get their son immediate care and a quick ambulance response.
“The first words he said to me were, I’ve ruined my life. I ruined my life. And, he was like, so mad. And I burned my Messi jersey,” said Andrea Holmes, Christian’s mother.
She said Christian suffered burns on his back, legs, hands, and arms.
Christian’s parents said having World Cup games on in his hospital bedroom has helped.
And they said Messi is inspiring Christian on the challenging and sometimes painful path in front of him.
“He has like a sticker chart with Messi’s name on it that says, you can do it, Christian for little things like getting out of bed or finishing a meal. So that’s been important,” Andrea said.
Christian also had his own inspirational message for Messi in his video.
“I like when you play the World Cup and good luck on your goals,” he said.
Christian’s parents are waiting on word from doctors about what’s next for their son.
They’re hoping he won’t need skin grafts, but said it’s likely. Christian is the youngest of five children.
His parents said they’re grateful for the help they’re getting from the community as they focus their attention on Christian.
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