Photo: Getty Images
Christie’s is offering one of the world’s most iconic items of sporting memorabilia in an online charity auction. Argentinian football player Lionel Messi has donated his record-breaking 644th goal-scoring Adidas boots to the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya. Together, the two put the item up for auction in a charity sale to support the Arts and Health Project of the Vall Hebron University Hospital in Barcelona.
Messi wore the famous cleats during the FC Barcelona versus Real Valladolid games on December 22, 2020, during which he scored his 664th goal. The shoes are each signed with “Lionel Messi” and additional customizations made by Messi himself, such as his wife’s name, Antonela Roccuzzo, and the names of his three songs and their dates of birth, Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro; estimated at a £50,000-70,000. The shoes withhold Messi’s football excellence, and have witnessed a record-breaking victory, scoring the most goals for a single club. The previous holder of his highly acclaimed position is renowned Brazilian football player Pelé.
Photo: Courtesy of Christie’s
“Achieving the record of 644 goals for the same club made me very happy, but the most important thing is being able to give something back to all the kids fighting for their health,” said Messi in a statement. “We hope this auction serves to really raise awareness about this great initiative, and I would like to thank all for supporting a cause so important to me.”
>Messi began his iconic journey with FC Barcelona as a 13-year-old, shortly after making his professional appearance for the club’s senior side in 2004, aged 17. From there, his football career soared, earning him 10 La Liga titles, 6 Copa Del Rey trophies, and 4 Champion’s Leagues. To add to his list of victories, Messi also won the famous Ballon d’Or six times.
Christies online auction will take place on charities.com between April 19-30, 2021.
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