Lionel Messi has donated €80,000 towards the reconstruction of Madrid’s Sierra Oeste region following the devastating wildfires that swept through the area last month.

The donation was announced by Community of Madrid President Isabel Díaz Ayuso, who thanked the Argentine football icon for supporting the recovery efforts after one of the worst natural disasters in the region’s history.

“Leo Messi has donated €80,000 for the reconstruction of the Sierra Oeste of Madrid. I want to thank him and tell him that the people of Madrid hope to welcome him soon and give him the applause he deserves,” Ayuso wrote on X.

The funds will contribute to rebuilding communities affected by the wildfire, which burned nearly 30,000 hectares across the Sierra Oeste region and impacted 17 municipalities.

One of Madrid’s worst-ever wildfires

The Sierra Oeste wildfire, which broke out in late July, became the largest forest fire ever recorded in the Madrid region after multiple blazes merged into a single massive inferno.

Authorities said the fire spread rapidly from neighbouring Toledo into Madrid, fuelled by soaring temperatures, strong winds and extremely dry vegetation.

Spanish authorities later arrested two men accused of carrying out illegal welding work in a forested area during extreme fire-risk conditions, with investigators linking the activity to the outbreak.

Thousands displaced

The wildfire triggered a large-scale emergency response across central Spain.

More than 56,000 residents from the Madrid region were evacuated, while thousands more were instructed to remain indoors as firefighters battled the blaze.

Several towns in the Sierra Oeste area were cleared as flames threatened homes and infrastructure, with emergency crews supported by military personnel and international firefighting aircraft.

Although the fire has since been stabilised, recovery efforts remain ongoing across the affected communities.

Madrid launches reconstruction campaign

Following the disaster, the Community of Madrid launched a dedicated fundraising platform to collect donations from individuals and businesses for those affected by the fires.

The initiative covers residents across the 17 municipalities impacted by the wildfire, including Aldea del Fresno, Cadalso de los Vidrios, Cenicientos, Pelayos de la Presa, San Martín de Valdeiglesias and Villa del Prado.

Messi’s €80,000 contribution is among the most high-profile donations announced so far as the region continues its long-term rebuilding efforts following the unprecedented wildfire.