German Football Fan Sets Up GoFundMe Page To Raise $1.5billion So His Club Can Sign Lionel Messi

Tim Artmann, take a bow.

The passionate Stuttgart fan has taken matters into his own hands to ensure his club snaps up wantaway Barcelona star Lionel Messi.

Artmann has set up a GoFundMe page to raise the necessary funds for Stuttgart to sign the six-time Ballon d'Or winner.

PA

It was recently confirmed by La Liga that Messi's extortionate buyout clause was still in place - despite the fact that the Argentine is in the last year of his contract at the Nou Camp.

So with that in mind, Artmann thought it would be ideal to set the fundraising target on his GoFundMe page to a hefty €900million (AU$1.5billion or £805million) with the hope of luring 33-year-old Messi to the Bundesliga.

The official description on the GoFundMe page reads: "We VfB (Stuttgart) fans are collecting money to pay for Lionel Messi's transfer.

GoFundMe

"In the event that the planned amount is not reached on time or Lionel Messi joins another club, 100 per cent of the money raised will be donated to Viva con Agua."

So far, fans have chucked €1,257 (AU$2,036 or £1,124) into the pot after six days of the page being published.

But to be fair to Artmann, he's planning on donating the entire sum of cash to charity if Messi signs with another club which isn't Stuttgart - which, if we're being honest, is very likely.

While his idea is far-fetched to say the least, you can't help but respect Artmann for his efforts. Well played, Sir.

Topics: Football, Barcelona, Transfers, Lionel Messi, Barcelona Transfer, Australia, Barca, Football, Barcelona, Transfers, Lionel Messi, Barcelona Transfer, Australia, Barca

Max Sherry

Max Sherry is a journalist for SPORTbible Australia. After migrating Down Under from London as a teenager, he instantly fell in love with Aussie sport and its culture. From NRL to AFL, cricket to rugby — you name it, Max watches it (with a beer in hand, of course). During his time at Fox Sports, he worked in the football department covering the Premier League, A-League, Socceroos and Matildas. Born a stone's throw away from West Ham's training ground, Max is obviously a die-hard Liverpool fan.

@maxysherry