In a landmark auction at Sotheby’s, six jerseys donned by soccer maestro Lionel Messi during Argentina’s triumphant World Cup run in 2022 fetched an astounding $7.8 million, marking a watershed moment in sports memorabilia sales.
The shirts, each worn by Messi during the first half of Argentina’s games at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, soared to become this year’s highest-priced sports memorabilia items, as revealed by the prestigious auction house.
“These historic shirts are not only a tangible reminder of one of the most important moments in the history of sports, but are principally connected to the pinnacle moment in the career of the most decorated football player in history,” Brahm Wachter, Sotheby’s head of modern collectibles, said in a statement.
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Comprising six out of the seven jerseys Messi sported during the first halves of Argentina’s World Cup matches, the collection holds immense historical significance. Notably absent are the first-half jersey from Argentina’s final group stage match against Poland and the second-half jerseys, presumably exchanged with rival players, clarified Sotheby’s.
Argentina’s triumph in the World Cup, culminating in a scintillating victory against France in a penalty shootout following a 3-3 draw, marked Messi’s pivotal role. Scoring two of Argentina’s three goals, the win represented a crowning achievement for the football luminary.
Throughout the two-week online auction, the jerseys were exhibited at Sotheby’s New York headquarters, culminating in Thursday’s highly anticipated closure. The identity of the successful bidder remains undisclosed.
Sotheby’s announced a notable allocation of auction proceeds to the UNICAS Project, an initiative led by Sant Joan de Déu Barcelona Children’s Hospital and supported by the Leo Messi Foundation, aimed at aiding children afflicted by rare diseases.
Despite high expectations, the Messi shirts fell short of setting a new auction record for game-worn sports memorabilia. The reigning title still rests with Michael Jordan’s 1998 NBA Finals jersey, which commanded a staggering $10.1 million in last year’s Sotheby’s auction.
Diego Maradona’s iconic “Hand of God” goal jersey, worn during the 1986 World Cup, previously clinched the second most valuable jersey sold at auction, amassing $9.28 million in May 2022.
For Messi aficionados, this auction stands as a testament to his growing legacy. Previously, the most expensive Messi auctioned item was a jersey worn during Barcelona’s 2017 match against Real Madrid, according to ESPN.
At 36, Lionel Messi currently plies his trade with Inter Miami in the MLS, having enjoyed a stellar 17-year career at Barcelona, securing eight Ballon d’Or titles, the highest accolade bestowed upon football’s top player annually.