A former international footballer has recalled a touching gesture from FC Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi years ago that earned him his respect forever.
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Torrential rains left parts of Colombia flooded in 2010 and 2011, a disaster that ex-Almeria and Colombia midfielder Fabian Vargas wanted to help fix back in his homeland.
In a recent interview, the now retired footballer revealed that one his plans at the time was to auction off one of his match jerseys as well as a shirt belonging Messi, whom he was going up against in a league match eight years ago, to help raise funds for the many victims of the flood.
Having asked the Argentine for his help before the game, Vargas had forgotten to follow up with the Blaugrana man as Almeria had lost the fixture 8-0, but much to his surprise, Messi was waiting for him outside the dressing room with a gift.
"Before the match, some of my friends had called me to ask me to auction off one of my shirts to benefit the victims in my country due to flooding that year," Vargas told El Pais.
"I took the opportunity because we played Barcelona, to go find Leo before the game to tell him the situation and ask him if he could give me his shirt as a gift.
"I left the pitch so angry and sad that I forgot about the topic.
"I left, and there he was with a bag. I remember him saying, 'Look, these are shirts that I could get.' I gave him my thanks and hugged him.
"When I got back and I opened the bag, there was not only Messi's shirt, but also those of Xavi, Andres Iniesta, Dani Alves, Gerard Pique, and Carles Puyol. I'll never forget that gesture.
"He is a player touched by a magic wand, one of those that is born every so many years to mark an era in football. I hope he continues breaking records, because of that gesture he had with me, it's something I always wish for."
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