- Title: Lionel Richie's inspiring words for retired namesake Lionel Messi
- Date: 1st July 2016
- Summary: EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY, UNITED STATES (RECENT - JUNE 27, 2016) (REUTERS) LIONEL MESSI WALKING FROM LOCKER ROOM
- Embargoed: 16th July 2016 14:40
- Keywords: Lionel Messi Lionel Richie football soccer music celebrity
- Location: LONDON, ENGLAND, UK / BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA / VESPASIANO, BRAZIL / EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY, UNITED STATES
- City: LONDON, ENGLAND, UK / BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA / VESPASIANO, BRAZIL / EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY, UNITED STATES
- Country: United Kingdom
- Topics: Arts/Culture/Entertainment,Music
- Reuters ID: LVA0034OUW56N
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text: U.S. musician Lionel Richie was in London on Friday (July 1) to pick up a Silver Clef music award, where he had some words of encouragement for his namesake, the Argentinian footballer Lionel Messi.
The 29 year-old Barcelona star retired from international football after his side lost on penalties against Chile in the final of the Copa America.
Messi, widely regarded as one of the best footballers of all time, was seen in tears at the end of the Chile game, having missed a penalty in the decisive shootout.
But Richie, who Messi is reportedly named after, had words of encouragement for the soccer star.
"Yes, Lionel, just make it easy like Sunday morning. Don't get all out of shape here. He's fabulous. First of all, if you're good, if I told you how many times I lost at the Grammies, and it only made me do one thing - get better. So, I'm not even worried about my namesake - he's going to be just fine and you'll see him next year this time and he'll win. He's a winner obviously. So, he didn't get this far based on the fact that he gets depressed easily, so I'm sure he's down right now but he's a 'Lionel'! He can't go wrong!" said Richie.
Aside from offering support to Messi, Richie was in London to collect the top award on offer at the Silver Clef Awards, an annual event raising money for a British musical therapy charity.
Boy band One Direction and violinist Andre Rieu were among the other winners.
One Direction, currently on a break, were named "Best Live Act", the only award voted for by the public; Patti Smith, Rieu and band Massive Attack were among the other winners.
The event, which began in 1976, raises money for charity Nordoff Robbins, which uses music therapy to help children and adults. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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