Messi’s tearful tissue up for auction at $1m

Lionel Messi’s used tissue from his emotional goodbye press conference from Barcelona has been put up for auction with a starting price of $1million (£727,000).

The Argentine playmaker held a farewell press conference after the club announced that he would not be remaining at the club for the 2021/22 season.

Messi’s departure is one of a number of issues the club have faced this summer due to their financial irregularities, with La Liga blocking his new contract and registration.

POLL

The six-time Ballon d’Or winner has subsequently joined French giants PSG on a two-year deal with the option for a third year.

According to Complete Sports, the used tissue was collected off the floor following the press conference by someone sat in the front row who subsequently listed it online.

The tissue is available to buy on the international auction site, Meikeduo, and its description states that it “contains Messi’s genetic material”.

The listing also tells prospective buyers that they can use the tissue to “clone” a new version of Messi.

The advert remains live but so far no one has parted with the $1million it would take to meet the starting price of the used tissue.

Messi broke down in tears during the press conference as he discussed his departure from the club and reflected on his 21 years in the city.

However, after finalising new terms with the club, the deal was blocked by La Liga due to Barcelona’s financial issues and Messi would not be able to be registered for the new season.

As a result, Messi went on to join PSG on a free transfer and will reunite with former team-mate Neymar and compatriots Angel Di Maria and Leandro Paredes. (Agency report)