Lionel Messi’s Match-Worn Shirts from 2022 World Cup to be Auctioned in New York

A collection of six match-worn shirts worn by Lionel Messi during the 2022 World Cup will be up for auction in New York. These shirts, which Messi wore during the final, semi-final, quarter-final, round-of-16, and two group-stage matches, are estimated to be valued at over $10 million (£8.02 million) by Sotheby’s, the prestigious fine-art auction house.

Potential Record-Breaking Auction

If these shirts sell for their estimated value, they could set a new record for the most expensive piece of match-worn sports memorabilia ever sold at an auction. Currently, the record is held by Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls jersey from the 1998 NBA finals, also known as the “the Last Dance” season, which was sold for $10.1 million in September 2022.

Diego Maradona’s 1986 World Cup quarter-final shirt, in which he famously scored twice against England with his “Hand of God” goal and a remarkable solo effort, currently holds the title for the most expensive match-worn football shirt sold at auction. It was sold for $9.3 million in May 2022.

Auction Details

The bidding for these iconic Lionel Messi shirts will take place between November 30 and December 14 at Sotheby’s gallery in New York. This is a unique opportunity for passionate collectors and football enthusiasts to own a piece of history.

Supporting a Worthy Cause

A portion of the proceeds from the auction will be donated to the Unicas Project. This project, led by Sant Joan de Deu (SJD) Barcelona Children’s Hospital with the support of the Leo Messi Foundation, aims to provide assistance to children suffering from rare diseases. By participating in this auction, bidders can contribute to this noble cause.

Messi’s World Cup Triumph

Lionel Messi’s outstanding performance in the 2022 World Cup led Argentina to victory. He scored seven goals in seven appearances, including two crucial goals in the final against France, which ended in a thrilling 3-3 draw and was ultimately decided by a penalty shootout. This victory marked Messi’s first-ever World Cup triumph after five attempts, and he was rightfully named the player of the tournament.

Argentina’s journey to the World Cup title was not without its challenges. They suffered a shocking defeat in their opening group game against Saudi Arabia, but they managed to overcome the odds and claim their first championship in 36 years.

Messi confirmed after Argentina’s semi-final victory over Croatia that the 2022 World Cup would likely be his last.

“It’s my last World Cup,” said the 36-year-old. “It is impressive to end up playing a final. There’s a long way to go for the next one, there are many years and surely because of age I won’t get to it.”

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(Photo: Anne-Christine Poujoulat/AFP via Getty Images)