sportbible logo

To make sure you never miss out on your favourite NEW stories, we're happy to send you some reminders

Click 'OK' then 'Allow' to enable notifications

Lionel Messi Has A Small Section Dedicated To Him Inside Bayern Munich's Allianz Arena

Lionel Messi Has A Small Section Dedicated To Him Inside Bayern Munich's Allianz Arena

It's the only non-related Bayern Munich item in the entire stadium.

Jack Kenmare

Jack Kenmare

German champions Bayern Munich paid the ultimate tribute to Lionel Messi by devoting an entire section in the Allianz Arena to the six-time Balon d'Or winner.

Messi will go down as one of the all-time greats. In 868 games for club and country, the 33-year-old has notched an incredible 704 goals and 298 assists, while winning almost everything there is to win in world football.

And to honour him, Bundesliga side Bayern Munich, who will come up against Messi and Barcelona on Friday night, recognised his legacy with a shrine. But why?

Image: Bayern Munich
Image: Bayern Munich

In 2012, the Argentinian forward scored 91 goals in a calendar year, surpassing Gerd Muller's previous record of 85 goals back in 1972.

Shortly after he smashed that record Messi decided to gift Bayern legend Muller a signed shirt that read: "For Gerd Müller / My respect and admiration / A hug."

The 72-year-old then gifted the shirt to his former club, who later dedicated an entire section to the item inside their home stadium.

In fact, it's a a piece of memorabilia that is the only non-related Bayern Munich item within the Allianz Arena.

When Messi sent the shirt, it was actually accompanied with a letter written by Barça president Sandro Rosell.

The letter was addressed to his Bayern counterpart, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, and was titled: "recognition of the player and person that is Gerd Müller."

It went on to describe how the pair have become 'sporting legends' at both Barcelona and Bayern.

"The esteem and admiration our club feels for Bayern and it's fans is demonstrated once again in the historical tie between these two great players who have become sporting legends of our clubs."

A great gesture from two legends of the game.

Who wlll come out on top in tonight's Champions League clash? Will it be Bayern or Barca?

Let us know your thoughts below.

Featured Image Credit: PA/FC Barcelona/Bayern Munich

Topics: Football News, Football, Barcelona, Lionel Messi, Champions League, Bayern Munich