Lionel Messi, the legendary football icon, is set to shatter records once again, but this time in the world of sports memorabilia. A collection of Messi’s game-worn jerseys from the 2022 FIFA World Cup is expected to fetch an astonishing price in the tens of millions when it hits the auction block at Sotheby’s. Scheduled to take place from November 30 to December 14, this landmark event is attracting massive attention from fans and collectors worldwide.
The set of jerseys up for auction includes the ones worn by Messi during the Final, Semi-final, Quarter-final, Round of 16, and two Group Stage matches. These garments witnessed Argentina’s rise to World Cup glory under Messi’s leadership, making them truly historic and immensely valuable to football enthusiasts.
Sotheby’s, the renowned auction house, anticipates that the collection will command bids over $10 million. This valuation reflects not only Messi’s global stature as one of the greatest footballers of all time but also the immense historical significance of these jerseys. This auction follows the recent trend of skyrocketing prices for sports memorabilia, including Michael Jordan’s NBA Finals jersey and Diego Maradona’s infamous ‘Hand of God’ shirt. Messi’s jerseys are poised to join the ranks of these record-breaking sales.
AC Momento, a tech company specializing in sports memorabilia, is the orchestrator of this historic auction. Known for partnering with top athletes to curate and auction their cherished game-worn items, AC Momento aims to offer fans the unparalleled opportunity to own a tangible piece of Messi’s monumental achievements. The company’s CEO, John Brennan, a veteran collector himself, expressed his excitement about the auction, stating that it represents a defining moment for both Messi’s legacy and the sports memorabilia market.
In addition to the excitement surrounding the auction, there is also a philanthropic aspect involved. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of Messi’s jerseys will be donated to the UNICAS Project. This project, under the auspices of the SJD Barcelona Children’s Hospital and supported by the Leo Messi Foundation, aims to provide support and assistance to children suffering from rare diseases. By participating in this auction, bidders will not only have the chance to own a piece of sporting history but also contribute to a worthy cause.
Ahead of the auction, the jerseys will be showcased at Sotheby’s New York offices. This preview period allows admirers and potential bidders to get up close and personal with the garments that Messi wore during the pinnacle event of his storied career. It is a unique opportunity to appreciate the significance and beauty of these iconic jerseys before they find their new home among the most prestigious collections in the world.
As the auction date draws nearer, anticipation continues to build among football fans and collectors alike. The opportunity to own a set of jerseys worn by Lionel Messi during his triumphant journey to World Cup victory is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. With the combination of Messi’s unrivaled brilliance, the historical significance of the World Cup, and the philanthropic cause it supports, this auction promises to push the boundaries of sports memorabilia valuation and leave an indelible mark on the world of football collectibles.
