Esther Cunio is about to function in a brand new documentary on the October 7 Hamas assault.

On October 7 final 12 months, when Hamas gunmen broke into her home in Israel’s Kibbutz Nir Oz, Esther Cunio, 90, did the unimaginable. She talked about her Argentine roots and that she got here from the nation of footballer Lionel Messi.

“Messi” did the magic. She did not solely survive the assault however a Hamas gunman posed along with her in a brief clip as she held his assault rifle.

Eight members of her prolonged household have been taken hostage through the assault, in accordance with The Occasions of Israel. Her two grandchildren and considered one of their girlfriends are nonetheless being held in Gaza, whereas the remainder of her members of the family have been launched as a part of the truce deal.

5 months on, Cunio is about to function in a brand new documentary on the Hamas assault that prompted the continued battle in Gaza.

In a clip from the documentary “Voces de 7 de octubre – Latino Tales of Survival” which remains to be within the making, she narrated what had occurred on that fateful day.

Two Hamas operatives got here knocking at her doorways on October 7, Cunio recounted within the video, enquiring about her household.

An uncommon twist within the dialog quickly turned a savior for the 90-year-old.

“Do you watch soccer?” she requested them.

To a nod from a Hamas operative, she replied, “I’m from the place Messi is from.”

“I like Messi,” mentioned considered one of them, brimming with pleasure upon listening to the identify of one of many best footballers. He then made her pose together with his rifle and a victory signal for a video.

Recounting the encounter within the movie, she additionally hoped Messi will get to realize it was due to him she survived that day.