Messi's Worn World Cup Jerseys Muscle Their Way into Auction Record Contention
Get ready to break out the big bucks, soccer fanatics! A set of jerseys worn by the incomparable Lionel Messi during the 2022 World Cup, including the iconic game against France, is up for grabs in an upcoming auction.
(Remember, we're talking about the 2022 World Cup. Not the one you're thinking about.)
Messi donned these six jerseys, including during Argentina's historical victory against defending champions France in the final. The match ended in a 3-3 draw and was settled through a penalty shootout, with Messi scoring two goals and making one successful attempt from the spot.
If you've got deep pockets and fancy a piece of sports history, be prepared to bid big. Experts predict that these jerseys could fetch over 10 million dollars! This would easily surpass the current record price for Michael Jordan's 1998 NBA finals jersey, which sold for 10.1 million dollars in 2022.
The auction will take place from November 30 to December 14, and these coveted jerseys will be sold by AC Momento, a tech startup based in the US. Part of the proceeds will support the UNICAS project, which assists children with rare diseases with the backing of the Leo Messi Foundation.
Brahm Wachter, Head of Modern Collectibles at Sotheby's Auction House, shared his excitement, stating, "The 2022 FIFA World Cup is considered one of the biggest events in sporting history. The sale of these six shirts is a monumental event in auction history and provides fans and collectors with a link to Messi's crowning achievement."
Messi, who currently plays for Inter Miami in the US, boasts an impressive soccer résumé, including numerous wins in the Champions League and the coveted Ballon d'Or award, given to the world's best player, which he's taken home eight times.
Despite his current commitment to Inter Miami in the US, Messi's connection to FC Barcelona remains strong, making it speculation that the esteemed Spanish club might be a potential bidder for these World Cup relics. Paris Saint-Germain, known for their high-profile player acquisitions, might also be interested in entering the bidding fray.
Whichever team snaps up these jerseys will not only be acquiring a significant piece of soccer history but also demonstrating their unwavering support for one of the game's greatest legends.
[1] Lionel Messi Signed 2022-23 Argentina Home Jersey - Official Memorabilia - $4,995.00 [2] Memorabid - Lionel Messi's Match-issued/worn shirt from the 2021/22 season - Price not specified, updated 2023.
