LIONEL MESSI’s signed boots have raised a world-record £125,000 for charity at auction.
The Argentine’s match-worn kicks, from when he scored his landmark 644th goal for Barcelona back in December, were initially displayed at a museum in the city.
But after a few months they were sent to Christie’s to be auctioned off for a good cause.
Leo’s boots were worn as he bagged his 644th goal for Barca – beating Pele’s record of most goals for a single club.
The Brazilian set the previous best tally of 643 while playing for Santos between 1956 and 1974.
After fetching £125k, Messi’s auction set the record for most-expensive match-worn boots ever sold.
The proceeds have gone to Vall d’Hebron University Hospital’s Art and Health programme.
Messi’s worn boots also feature the 33-year-old’s autograph.
Of his decision to have the boots auctioned off, Barca’s iconic No10 said: “Reaching the historic total of 644 goals for the same club fills me with joy, but the most important thing is to be able to give something back to the children fighting for their health.
“We hope the auction in April will increase knowledge of this great cause.”
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Messi reached the landmark tally during Barcelona’s 3-0 win over Valladolid back in December.
Ronald Koeman’s side were showing signs of life at the time, after a poor start to the season – and they have since propelled themselves into the title race.
But they missed the chance to actually go top of the table last night, as they spurned a first-half lead, courtesy of a Messi goal no less, to lose 2-1 to Granada.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
