GOAL #644, FC BARCELONA V REAL VALLADOLID, 22 DECEMBER 2020

On 22nd December 2020, Lionel Messi broke one of football’s greatest records, by scoring the most goals for a single club when he netted his 644th for FC Barcelona in their game against Real Valladolid. The previous holder of this long-standing record is arguably the game’s most celebrated player, Pelé. The famous Brazilian scored 643 goals in 665 competitive games for Santos, with Messi achieving his incredible feat in 749 appearances.

Messi, who had equalled the record in his previous match, collected Pedri’s pass in the 65th minute and calmly slotted past the Real Valladolid goalkeeper to make the scoreline 3-0, before pointing to the sky in celebration - a familiar sight for football fans across the globe. The Argentinean joined FC Barcelona as a 13-year old before making his first professional appearance for the senior side in 2004, aged 17. Messi has won a remarkable 10 La Liga titles with the Catalan side as well as six Copa Del Rey trophies and four Champions Leagues. On an individual level, Messi has won the famous Ballon d’Or on six occasions, the most a single player has ever won the honour.

The game-worn boots, used to score this famous goal against Real Valladolid, have been dual signed and donated by Lionel Messi. After initially being displayed at the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya, the boots are being sold in aid of the Hospital Vall d'Hebron’s Art and Health programme.

The boots are accompanied by a letter of authenticity, issued and signed by Adidas, and a limited-edition poster commemorating the sale.

Christie's would like to thank Gerard Starkey for his help in cataloguing this lot.