By Jorge Calvillo (staff@latinospost.com) | First Posted: Oct 29, 2013 01:32 PM EDT

Argentinian footballer Lionel Messi's son, Thiago, is days away from his first birthday, and "Pulga" will celebrate it through an UNICEF campaign.

Barcelona's star forward, who is currently a Good Will Ambassador for UNICEF, joined a campaign to raise funds supporting children, asking his thousands of followers to support education and good health for children around the world.

Through a video, the Argentinian star reminds everyone that on Nov. 2nd, 2012, he received "the best gift in the world" with the birth of Thiago, showing images of the child, his birth and his mother, along with images of children in Africa and other parts of the world.

The video, which lasts 1 minute and 19 seconds, shows a message where Messi says that with the birth of Thiago, his commitment to guaranteeing that children around the world grow up well-fed, healthy, with drinkable water and proper education was strengthened. Messi pointed out that the best gift he can give his son on his first birthday is to raise awareness among people about the challenges children around the world face.

"In November I received the best gift in the world: the birth of Thiago. In his first birthday, help me achieve the same opportunities to live, grow and develop for all children. Thank you for joining and participating", Messi said in his video message.

On its website, UNICEF offers information through which those interested in participating can win a pair of sports shoes owned by Messi, and a signed jersey.