Lionel Messi isn't just an amazing footballer, but a great human too | OneFootball

We’re used to applauding Lionel Messi for his genius on the field and now it’s time to applaud him for his philanthropy off it, too.

That’s because Messi owns a family restaurant back in Argentina and he has recently been helping the homeless by offering free meals, hot drinks and coats during a bitter cold snap in his homeland.

Since last Friday, the Barcelona superstar has opened the doors to his Rosario restaurant – named VIP – between 7pm and 9pm every night to those living on the streets of the city.

“If you know someone who is in a street situation, invite him to pass by VIP,” read an announcement from the restaurant.

“From 19 pm to 21 pm we offer a rich, abundant and warm dish so we can go to sleep all full, and with a happy heart.”

“We’ve also been giving out coffee, soft drinks and even some wine to some,” restaurant manager Ariel Almada told Spanish outlet MARCA.

“A lot of great people came by, very respectful.”

The restaurant will continue to give out free drinks and meals to the homeless for the next 15 days, by which the Rosario weather will hopefully be a bit warmer.