Six football jerseys worn by Lionel Messi during the 2022 World Cup are poised to make auction history, with expectations to fetch more than $10 million USD. These match-worn Argentina jerseys, adorned by the legendary Argentine captain, were worn in key matches, including the final, semi-final, quarter-final, round of 16, and two Group Stage matches at the FIFA tournament in Qatar.
Argentina’s Triumph and Messi’s Sentiments
Argentina clinched victory in the competition by defeating France on penalties in the final held in Doha on December 18, 2022. Messi, 36, played a crucial role, converting his spot kick to secure the triumph. Reflecting on the win, he shared, “I dreamed of it so many times, I wanted it so much that I still can’t believe it.”
Sotheby’s Auction and Estimated Value
Sotheby’s, the renowned auction house, is set to host a dedicated sale for these historic jerseys. The extraordinary collection is estimated to surpass $10 million, potentially becoming the most valuable assortment of sports memorabilia ever auctioned. Brahm Wachter, Sotheby’s Head of Modern Collectibles, expressed, “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.”
Auction Details and Donation to Charity
The auction, scheduled from November 30 to December 14, will feature the white and sky blue Argentina home shirts. A portion of the proceeds from the sale will be donated to the UNICAS Project, led by Sant Joan de Deu (SJD) Barcelona Children’s Hospital, with the support of the Leo Messi Foundation. The UNICAS Project aims to address the needs of children suffering from rare diseases.
AC Momento’s Involvement
The shirts are brought to auction by US-based tech startup AC Momento, known for its mobile app catering to sports fans and its partnerships with high-profile athletes like Messi for managing their match-worn memorabilia collections.
Historical Comparisons
This auction follows the footsteps of previous record-setting sales in sports memorabilia. Notably, Diego Maradona’s ‘Hand of God’ shirt fetched $9.3 million at Sotheby’s London in May 2022, and Michael Jordan’s 1998 NBA Finals jersey set a record at $10.1 million at Sotheby’s New York in September 2022.