Lionel Messi’s 2022 World Cup jerseys to go up for auction, with 6 strips estimated to be worth US$10 million
- Auction house Sotheby’s announces sale of six jerseys Argentina star wore on way to historic win in Qatar, including one from final against France
- Previous highest amount paid for athlete’s jersey was US$10.1 million for one worn by Michael Jordan during 1998 NBA Finals
A set of six jerseys Lionel Messi wore during Argentina’s victorious 2022 World Cup run will be auctioned in December, Sotheby’s said on Monday, estimating their value at $10 million.
The football star wore the shirts during the first halves of games against Saudi Arabia and Mexico in the group stage, as well as knockout matches against Australia, the Netherlands and Croatia – and the final against France.
Argentina’s winning run in Qatar last year was the final feather in the forward’s cap, having failed to secure the championship in four previous World Cups.
If the jerseys indeed fetch more than US$10 million, that could make the sale the most valuable collection of sports memorabilia ever auctioned off, Sotheby’s said.
“The 2022 Fifa World Cup stands as one of the greatest events in sports history, intrinsically connected to Messi’s valiant journey and firmly establishing his status as the greatest player of all time,” Brahm Wachter, Sotheby’s Head of Modern Collectibles, said.
“The sale of these six shirts stands as a monumental occasion in auction history, offering fans and collectors a connection to Messi’s crowning achievement. It is an honour for Sotheby’s to present and exhibit these invaluable collectibles to the public, which encapsulate the sheer brilliance of a player who has redefined the boundaries of football excellence.”