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Wednesday, 6th March 2013
In Japan Sports News, Sports,
Gold cast of Lionel Messi's foot on sale in Japan
A solid gold cast of Barcelona star Lionel Messi's left foot is set to go on sale in Japan this week.
The Argentinean is widely regarded as being the best player in the world and to celebrate his many achievements, including his fourth Balon d'Or, Japanese jeweller Ginza Tanaka has created the replica of his foot.
The golden foot, which weighs 25kg and is ten inches tall will go on sale tomorrow (March 7th) for £3.5 million.
In a video message, Messi said he was honoured to have his foot cast the precious metal. His brother Rodrigo, who was present at the unveiling of the statue, said it was "exceptional".
"You can see each line in the foot. It's an impressive piece of work," he added.
The replica is also signed by the footballer.
Barcelona's all-time leading goalscorer took part in the project at the end of 2012, his best year in terms of goalscoring, when he netted 91 times for club and country, a feat never achieved before.
Part of the proceeds from the sale will go to the striker's foundation, which in turn will go to support children in areas affected by the earthquake and tsunami disaster that hit Japan in March 2011.
If the price is a little too much for some people's tastes, the Tokyo-based jeweller has also made 50 pieces 'Golden Foot Plates' and 100 'Golden Foot Minis', which will go on sale for £62,700 and £27,850 respectively.
Messi is not the first footballer to be immortalised in a precious metal, as Manchester United, Real Madrid, AC Milan, LA Galaxy and PSG midfielder David Beckham has proved a popular choice for sculptors in the past.
A silver statue of the former England captain was erected in New York last year and that was not the first time he has been the subject of art.
When he released his underwear collection for H&M in London, he was accompanied at the launch by small golden statues of himself.
Written by Susan Ballion
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