Lionel Messi is widely regarded as the greatest player ever in the sport for his sporting merits. The Argentine has lifted all the major trophies with both his club and country. Most recently, he confirmed his association with the MLS club Inter Miami, securing staggering earnings of $150 million.
Messi ranks second as the highest-paid athlete worldwide, trailing only behind his long-standing rival Cristiano Ronaldo. His substantial income supports investments in high-end real estate, including the waterfront mansion in Miami. However, he is equally committed to social causes and has once raised funds to aid people affected by calamities in Japan.
Lionel Messi raised $5.3 million from his golden left foot auction
During Lionel Messi’s early rise in Barcelona, he broke into the star-studded Blaugrana team as a new sensation. Only a few seasons later, in 2007, the La Masia product founded the Leo Messi Foundation, an organization dedicated to providing children in need with opportunities for education and healthcare.
This marked the beginning of Messi’s commitment to welfare off the pitch. In 2012, Messi won his fourth consecutive Ballon d’Or, setting the stage for his current record of eight awards. To celebrate his fourth award, Messi collaborated with the renowned Japanese jeweler, Ginza Tanaka, to cast his left foot’s impression in gold.
The sculpture, which was finely crafted with pure gold bars and weighed around 25 kilograms (55 pounds) in Japan and was titled ‘The Golden Foot’, was signed by the soccer superstar himself, was unveiled in Tokyo during an auction, and got sold at a price of $5.25 million.
The former Barcelona star, unable to attend the event himself, sent his brother Rodrigo to Japan. The entire sale proceeds from his memorabilia were donated to victims of the massive earthquake and tsunami in the Tohoku region of Japan, marking the worst calamity in their history.
Lionel Messi’s philanthropy
Collectibles related to Lionel Messi always surge in demand, such as signed 2022 FIFA World Cup final match tickets and the World Cup jerseys he wore in Qatar, which became the most valuable jersey ever sold. This is a testament to his immense popularity and global following.
Besides, the World Cup winner himself plays a significant role in contributing to social welfare and charity, winning the hearts of fans off the field.
As a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, he advocates for global programs and initiatives aimed at providing underprivileged children with education, health care, and support.
Messi’s Leo Messi Foundation funds support projects to build schools and sports facilities, and provide scholarships to underprivileged children globally. Also, during the recent COVID-19 outbreak, he made substantial donations for healthcare support in Argentina and Barcelona, among other positive initiatives.
What do you think of Lionel Messi’s philanthropic ventures? Make sure to tell us in the comments section.
