In a historic auction event, six match-worn shirts donned by Argentine football maestro Lionel Messi during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar have fetched a staggering $7.8 million, setting a new record for items linked to the legendary player.
The auction, conducted by renowned house Sotheby’s, saw three competitive bids for what were described as “Lionel Messi’s match-worn iconic light blue and white, vertical striped Argentina shirts from his historic 2022 FIFA World Cup run.”
The hammer price not only shattered records for sales related to Messi but also marked the most valuable item of sporting memorabilia auctioned this year, according to Sotheby’s.
Messi led Argentina to a memorable 4-2 victory on penalties against France at Qatar’s illustrious 80,000-capacity Lusail Stadium on December 18, 2022. The World Cup final was a defining moment in Messi’s illustrious career, further cementing his status as one of the greatest football players in history.
“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,” stated Brahm Wachter, Sotheby’s head of modern collectibles.
He continued,
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 honor for Sotheby’s to present and exhibit these invaluable collectables to the public, which encapsulate the sheer brilliance of a player who has redefined the boundaries of football excellence.
This auction success comes on the heels of Messi’s accolade as Time magazine’s “Athlete of the Year” for 2023, recognizing a remarkable season that included his eighth Ballon d’Or award and a groundbreaking move to Major League Soccer’s Inter Miami. Messi’s impact was felt immediately, contributing significantly to Miami’s triumph in the expanded Leagues Cup, a cross-border competition featuring teams from MLS and Mexico’s top flight.
