Extra Time: Jeweller creates gold replica of Messi's foot

Mar 6, 2013 2:00:00 PM

Ginza Tanaka has paid homage to the Argentine attacker by recreating his left peg, with part of the proceeds going to the charitable causes

A Japanese jeweller's pure gold replica of Lionel Messi's left foot - valued at a cool €4 million - has been unveiled in Tokyo.

The sculpture, weighing 25kg, measuring at 25cm tall and 28cm in width, was designed by Ginza Tanaka in recognition of the Barcelona and Argentina forward's recent achievements and will go on sale on Thursday.

"I'm honoured to have my foot recreated in pure gold," the four-time Ballon d'Or winner said in a video message during the presentation.

Messi's brother, Rodrigo, was at the unveiling and took the opportunity to praise Tanaka's attention to detail, adding: "It's exceptional, you can see each line on the foot."

A cut of the proceeds will go to the 25-year-old's charitable foundation and help fund support for children in areas hit by the Japanese natural disasters of two years ago.

If the €4m price-tag is a little too steep, then you can snap up Messi's golden footprint for the more reasonable sum of €6,300, while the 'Golden Foot Mini' - half the size of the main gold foot - is priced at €28,000.

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