Lionel Messi, the football icon who led Argentina to World Cup glory in 2022, is about to make waves in the sports memorabilia world. An impressive set of jerseys worn by Messi during the tournament is set to be auctioned at Sotheby’s, with experts predicting a sale price in the tens of millions.
This collection of jerseys includes the ones worn by Messi during the Final, Semi-final, Quarter-final, Round of 16, and two Group Stage matches. Each of these garments witnessed Messi’s incredible performances and played a part in Argentina’s path to victory. Fans and collectors alike will have the opportunity to bid on these pieces of sporting history from November 30 to December 14.
Sotheby’s, the renowned auction house, expects the jerseys to attract bids over $10 million. This estimate reflects not only Messi’s global stature as one of the greatest football players of all time but also the historical significance of these items. The sale comes on the heels of other record-breaking sports memorabilia auctions, such as 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 iconic sports artifacts.
The auction is organized by AC Momento, a tech company specializing in sports memorabilia. AC Momento partners with top athletes to curate and auction their game-worn items. The CEO of AC Momento, John Brennan, is a veteran collector himself, and he believes that this auction will be a landmark event. He sees it as an opportunity for fans to own a tangible piece of Messi’s monumental achievements on the football field.
Adding to the significance of this auction, a portion of the proceeds will go to the UNICAS Project. This initiative, under the auspices of the SJD Barcelona Children’s Hospital and supported by the Leo Messi Foundation, aims to support children with rare diseases. The charitable aspect of the sale adds an extra layer of meaning to the already highly anticipated event.
Ahead of the auction, the jerseys will be on display at Sotheby’s New York offices. This exhibition allows admirers and potential bidders to see these iconic garments up close, appreciating the intricate details and the emotions they carry. It is a unique opportunity to witness firsthand the jerseys that Messi wore during what was undoubtedly a pinnacle moment in his storied career.
As collectors and fans prepare for this historic auction, the buzz surrounding Messi’s World Cup jerseys continues to grow. The anticipation of potentially owning a piece of football history is palpable. With their historical significance, the connection to an iconic athlete, and the charitable aspect of the sale, these jerseys are sure to generate immense interest and command a spectacular price at Sotheby’s.
