In the message, Ban also asked people to remember victims of recent attacks on sporting events, most notably in Angola and Pakistan, which he said "competitors and fans alike were victims".

"Such horrendous acts must strengthen our resolve to use sport as a force for peace-building and reconciliation," Ban said in the message.

"I call on the world of sport and its supporters around the world to continue to help the United Nations in its efforts to help the people of Haiti to recover and rebuild."

Soccer players and referees pose before the seventh "Match against Poverty" at Luz stadium in Lisbon January 25, 2010

This year's international rooster of soccer players include former World Player of the Year Kaka and Haitian talents Jean Sony and Joseph Peterson.

The match also hopes to spotlight the internationally agreed Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), which seek to reduce global poverty in half by 2015.

"The Match Against Poverty shows yet again how athletes, the UN family and the world of sport can work together to achieve the Millennium Development Goals and to build a better world," the message said.

Ronaldo, Zidane & Friends' team pay respect to the victims of Haiti in a one minute silence prior to their UNDP's VII Match Against Poverty friendly soccer match with Benfica All Stars' team at Benfica's Luz Stadium in Monday, Jan. 25, 2010

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