Fan launches £623m GoFundMe bid to bring Lionel Messi to Blyth Spartans

Could Lionel Messi be tempted to swap Barcelona for Blyth? Credit: PA Images

Supporters of National League North club Blyth Spartans are eyeing up an audacious swoop for Barcelona star Lionel Messi.

Since making his debut against Albecete in May 2005, Messi has scored 634 goals in 731 games to help the Catalans to an impressive trophy haul that includes 10 La Liga titles, four Champions League wins and three FIFA World Club Cup triumphs.

But after ending last season without a trophy, Messi is currently in dispute with the club and has been linked with a move to Premier League giants Manchester City and Serie A clubs Internazionale and Juventus.

But Messi could start next season wearing the famous green-and-white in non-league’s second tier and swapping passes with Spartans legend Robbie Dale - if a supporters’ GoFundMe page reaches its ambitious £623,000,000 target.

Supporter Dan Rolls set up the fundraiser on Monday evening as he looks to help hand Spartans manager Michael Nelson with an unexpected boost to his squad ahead of the new National League North season.

The former Hartlepool United and Norwich City defender will benefit even if the initiative does not reach its target after it was confirmed that any funds raised will go into the club.

Earlier today the appeal had raised a princely £15.

The Spartans boss is hoping to continue adding to his squad ahead of the new campaign and in the aftermath of his unexpected appearance in a pre-season friendly win at Dunston UTS.

A Messi-less Spartans will visit South Shields in their next pre-season fixture on Saturday afternoon.