Barcelona and Argentina superstar Lionel Messi is said to have offended Egypt after offering his boots to charity.

The 28-year-old's gesture has unfortunately been misinterpreted in Egypt, where it has been regarded by some as a national insult - in Egypt and other Arabic countries shoes can be used as a symbol of disrespect or insult.

A shoe can be considered dirty as it touches the ground.

Appearing on the TV show Yes I am Famous, Messi told the presenter that he would like to donate a pair of his boots for a charity auction.

However, the gesture has become a huge topic of discussion in Egypt, where an Egyptian MP even appeared on television and donated his own shoe to the footballer.

Egyptian MP Said Hasasin (YouTube/Al-Asimah TV)

"We have never been humiliated during our seven thousand years of civilisation. I will hit you with the shoes, Messi," Said Hasasin said on Al-Asimah TV.

"This is my shoe. I donate it to Argentina."

A spokesman for the Egyptian FA has also condemned the act.

Lionel Messi's best Ballon d'Or outfits Show all 5 1 /5 Lionel Messi's best Ballon d'Or outfits Lionel Messi's best Ballon d'Or outfits Ballon d'Or 2009-10 The dry years. There once was a time, a long time ago, when Lionel Messi wore conservative, moderate suits. Back in those dystopian times, the Argentinian superstar often elected to wear black as he conquered the footballing world, leaving the likes of previous winners Ronaldinho, Fabio Cannavaro and Kaka to a bygone era. Getty Lionel Messi's best Ballon d'Or outfits Ballon d'Or 2011 The world was given one of its first glimpses into the wonderful and labyrinthine wardrobe of Messi a year later. Having previously only seen the Argentinian in Barcelona tracksuits or traditional garb, this 2011 number was just the start of the forward’s reign of terror over the fashion world. Getty Lionel Messi's best Ballon d'Or outfits Ballon d'Or 2012 12 months later and Messi was ready to up his game even further. 2012 was the year of the polka dot as the Barcelona superstar made headlines around the globe again. Winning the award for the second successive year, Barca’s main man celebrated the occasion with a dark navy and white three-piece suit. Getty Lionel Messi's best Ballon d'Or outfits Ballon d'Or 2013 Peak Messi. It was only a few weeks since Christmas and the Argentina international clearly was still in the festive mood. Treating his adoring fans to a shimmering burgundy suit, members of the press on the red carpet had to shield their eyes as Messi strode to defeat, falling behind Cristiano Ronaldo. Getty Lionel Messi's best Ballon d'Or outfits Ballon d'Or 2014 Perhaps Leo’s most moderate effort since 2009, last year’s offering seemed a compromise for those who don’t appreciate his trend-setting ways. Again sporting a bow-tie, the Argentine superstar opted for purple as his colour of choice. One wonders if he randomly selects his palette with his eyes closed. Getty

“Our poor people don’t need him. Shoes work for him," said Azmy Megahed.

“I’m confused, if he intends to humiliate us, then I say he better put those shoes on his head and on the heads of the people supporting him.

"Give your shoes to your country, Argentina is full of poverty."