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Lionel Messi has donated the boots he wore when he scored his record-breaking 644th goal to raise money for children battling cancer.
The big-hearted Barcelona star said he wanted to use his iconic achievement to “give something back to the children fighting for their health”.
Messi fired home against Real Valladolid in December to break Pele’s 46-year-old record goals tally for a single club.
The Brazil legend and his former club Santos dispute the record, claiming three-time World Cup winner Pele actually scored more than 1,000 club goals.
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But the achievement officially belongs to six-time Ballon d’Or recipient Messi, and the boots he wore to break the record are currently on display at the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya in Barcelona.
They will remain there for another month, before being auctioned off in April to raise money for the museum’s program helping young cancer patients and their families.
Messi said breaking Pele’s record had given him “joy” – but insisted that helping children fight for their health was much more important.
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“Reaching the historic total of 644 goals for the same club fills me with joy,” said the 33-year-old, quoted by Sport.
“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.”
Following his achievement, Messi’s sponsor Adidas paid tribute to the Argentine superstar, who has spent his entire career at Barcelona.
In an Instagram post, the sportswear firm said: “From the streets of Rosario to the colosseum of Barcelona.
“From a 13-year-old boy with a dream to a 33-year-old captain, redefining greatness. From scoring his first professional goal 15 years ago to scoring his 644th and breaking a 46-year record.
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Mirror.co.uk
