In a headline-grabbing auction, six of the jerseys worn by Lionel Messi during Argentina’s 2022 FIFA World Cup campaign in Qatar were sold for approximately $7.8 million. The auction, hosted by Sotheby’s in New York, attracted collectors from around the globe eager to own a piece of football history. This sale became the most valuable sports collectible ever associated with Messi, reflecting the immense significance of his World Cup victory.
The lot included six match-worn jerseys that Messi wore during key stages of the tournament, including group stage matches, knockout rounds, the semifinals, and the final against France. Each jersey was worn by Messi on the pitch during the first half of these matches, making them extremely rare and highly desirable to collectors and investors. These jerseys were authenticated and verified, ensuring that buyers could be confident in their provenance.
While the final sale price of $7.8 million was slightly below Sotheby’s initial expectation of over $10 million, it still positioned Messi’s jerseys among the most valuable football memorabilia ever sold at auction. Although it did not surpass the record set by Michael Jordan’s 1998 NBA Finals jersey, which sold for $10.1 million, Messi’s World Cup jerseys are now recognized as one of the most significant football collectibles in history.
The auction was managed in partnership with AC Momento, a sports memorabilia company that specializes in handling authenticated match-worn collections. A portion of the proceeds from the auction was donated to charity, benefiting children with rare diseases through the Leo Messi Foundation and associated projects.
This sale highlights several factors that drive the value of football memorabilia: historical significance, rarity, player legacy, and authenticity. Messi’s jerseys were not only signed but worn during one of the most celebrated World Cup victories, cementing their place in sports history and making them highly sought after by collectors worldwide.
