In a sporting spectacle that would make even the most seasoned collectors drool, six of Lionel Messi’s iconic jerseys, worn during Argentina’s triumphant World Cup campaign in Qatar, are about to hit the auction block. If you thought Messi’s on-field magic was extraordinary, wait till you hear what these jerseys are expected to fetch – a staggering sum of more than £8 million! The auction, hosted by the prestigious Sotheby’s in New York, promises to be a game-changer in the world of sports memorabilia.
The centerpiece of this collection is none other than Messi’s shirt from the final showdown against France. That nail-biting match culminated in a nerve-wracking penalty shootout, and Messi, the captain of the Argentine team, played a pivotal role, scoring two goals and calmly converting from the spot during the shootout. That jersey alone is enough to send the hearts of football aficionados racing.
But it doesn’t stop there. Messi, often heralded as the greatest player of all time, made history during the 2022 FIFA World Cup by becoming the first player to score in every stage of the tournament – group stage, last 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals, and, of course, the grand finale. So, each of these jerseys, a testament to his unmatched skill and indomitable spirit, is a treasure trove of footballing history.
Diego Maradona’s ‘Hand of God’ jersey, which fetched a jaw-dropping £7.1 million in 2022, set the bar for game-worn football shirts. Now, Messi’s shirts are poised to set a new benchmark. Brahm Wachter, Sotheby’s head of modern collectibles, aptly summed it up, calling the sale of Messi’s six jerseys a “monumental occasion in auction history.” These shirts, worn by the maestro himself during a World Cup victory, are not mere garments; they are relics of an era-defining sports event.
Wachter went on to highlight the intrinsic connection between the 2022 FIFA World Cup and Messi’s journey to glory, solidifying his status as the GOAT (Greatest of All Time). Messi, an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, has indeed pushed the boundaries of football excellence. His jerseys bear witness to a player who has not just rewritten records but redefined the very essence of the beautiful game.
The good news for fans and collectors alike is that you won’t need a ticket to New York to witness these priceless artifacts. Sotheby’s will proudly exhibit Messi’s collection at their New York headquarters in a free, public exhibition during the bidding process, which runs from November 30 to December 14. It’s a golden opportunity to get up close and personal with the gear that was part of history in the making.
While Messi played in all seven of Argentina’s matches during the 2022 World Cup, only two of the three group stage jerseys will be auctioned. One was swapped with Australia squad member Cameron Devlin, making it a unique item in its own right. This ensures that the collection remains exclusive, with each jersey bearing its own story and significance.
What’s more, this auction isn’t just about record-breaking bids and high stakes. A portion of the proceeds will be dedicated to the Unicas Project, led by Sant Joan de Deu (SJD) Barcelona Children’s Hospital, with support from the Leo Messi Foundation. This noble cause aims to provide for the needs of children battling rare diseases, adding a heartwarming touch to an already thrilling event.
In the world of sports, moments like these are as rare as the jerseys themselves. So, mark your calendars and prepare for an auction that promises to be nothing short of legendary. Lionel Messi’s jerseys have left an indelible mark on the history of football, and now, they are ready to create history in the world of auctions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Auction
Q: How can I participate in the auction for Messi’s World Cup jerseys?
A: To participate in the auction, you can visit Sotheby’s in New York during the exhibition period from November 30 to December 14. Alternatively, you can bid online through Sotheby’s official website.
Q: What is the expected price range for Messi’s jerseys?
A: The jerseys are expected to fetch more than £8 million at the auction, making them one of the most valuable collections of sports memorabilia.
Q: Can I view Messi’s jerseys before the auction?
A: Yes, Sotheby’s will host a free, public exhibition at their New York headquarters, allowing you to see Messi’s iconic jerseys up close before the bidding begins.
Q: How many of Messi’s jerseys from the 2022 World Cup will be auctioned?
A: Two of the three jerseys Messi wore during the group stage will be auctioned, along with other significant jerseys from the knockout stages and the final.
Q: Is there a charitable component to this auction?
A: Yes, a portion of the proceeds from the auction will be donated to the Unicas Project, which supports children suffering from rare diseases through the Sant Joan de Deu (SJD) Barcelona Children’s Hospital with the backing of the Leo Messi Foundation.
More about Auction
- Sotheby’s Official Website
- Lionel Messi – Wikipedia
- 2022 FIFA World Cup – Wikipedia
- Diego Maradona’s ‘Hand of God’ jersey sale
- Leo Messi Foundation
5 comments
Sotheby’s has a big event here, must check out the exhibition
wow! Messi’s jerseys going on auction, cant wait to bid on them
Messi made history, those jerseys are like, legendary!
The price for Messi’s shirts is insan, hope I got enough $$$
Great that some of the money goes to help sick kids, Messi is a legend