Japanese Jeweler's Solid Gold Replica Of Lionel Messi's Foot Set For $5.25M Sale

A solid gold replica of footballer LIONEL MESSI's left foot, "complete with blood vessels and the swirls of skin on the bottom of the toes," is to go on sale in Japan, according to the AFP. The 25kg (55-pound) statue, worth $5.25M, "was created from a mould of the star striker's foot by Tokyo-based jeweler Ginza Tanaka to mark Messi's record-breaking fourth consecutive Ballon d'Or award (AFP, 3/6). In London, Andy James wrote Tanaka has also made 50 "Golden Foot Plates" and 100 "Golden Foot Minis," on sale for £62,700 ($94,500) and £27,850 ($42,000), respectively (DAILY MAIL, 3/6). Also in London, Simon Rice wrote Messi had his foot cast in Spain at the end of last year. In a video message, Messi said: "I'm honored to have my foot recreated in pure gold." Messi’s brother, RODRIGO, who attended the unveiling, said, “It’s exceptional. You can see each line in the foot.” The foot goes on sale Thursday with "part of the proceeds going to Messi’s foundation, which supports children around the world" (INDEPENDENT, 3/6)