Former Colombia star Fabian Vargas has revealed a special gesture he shared with Barcelona star Lionel Messi.

Vargas used to ply his trade for Almeria in the Spanish top flight.

Back in 2010, Vargas and his team-mates were on the wrong end of an 8-0 defeat against Barcelona.

“Before the game, some friends had called me to ask for my shirt to auction it for the benefit of the victims in my country because of the floods that year," Vargas told La Pais.

"I took advantage of playing against Barcelona, I went to look for Leo [Messi] before the game to tell him the situation and ask him if he could give me his shirt.

But the Colombian midfielder completely forgot about his request at full-time, having just seen his side concede eight goals.

“I left the pitch so angry and sad that I forgot the subject [that he had asked him for his shirt]," Vargas added.

But Messi certainly hadn't forgotten his opposite number's request.

“I went out and there he was with a little bag," Vargas continued.

"I remember he said, 'Look, these are the shirts that I could collect for you.' I thanked him and hugged him.

“When I came back and opened the bag, there was [not just] Messi's shirt but also those of Xavi, [Andres] Iniesta, Dani Alves, [Gerard] Pique and [Carlos] Puyol.

“I will never forget that gesture.

“[I wish that he] continues to break records. Because of his gesture to me, it's something I [will] always want."