Messi, Serena for 1 in 11 campaign

Barcelona's Lionel Messi has teamed up with tennis star Serena Williams in a new campaign to help vulnerable children around the world realise their potential through sport and education.

The '1 in 11' campaign, so called because it represents the number of children worldwide who are unable to attend school, is the result of a collaboration among UNICEF, the FC Barcelona Foundation, and Reach Out To Asia. 

The campaign will raise awareness and funds for educational programmes around the world.

Messi, who is both a representative of Barcelona's charitable arm and a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador said: “I'm supporting the 1 in 11 campaign because I believe every child has the right to fulfil their potential and realise their dreams. 

“Education is fundamental to this, but millions of children across the world are out of school and not getting the start in life they are entitled to.”

World No 1 Serena Williams, who is also a UNICEF ambassador, said: “In many countries we take it for granted that every child has the right to receive  quality education, but "1 in 11" children around the world do not enjoy that right – and without it, may never reach their full potential.”