In a groundbreaking move for sports memorabilia enthusiasts and football aficionados alike, Sotheby’s has announced the auction of six iconic football shirts worn by none other than Lionel Messi during Argentina’s triumphant World Cup run in 2022. The collection, set to go under the hammer between November 30 and December 14, is already generating buzz, with experts predicting it to be the most valuable assortment of sports memorabilia ever sold at auction.
The Magnificent Victory
Argentina secured their third World Cup title in a thrilling final against France in December 2022. The match, culminating in a gripping penalty shootout after a 3-3 draw, showcased Messi’s brilliance as he netted two crucial goals. This historic win not only solidified Argentina’s football legacy but also positioned Messi as a key player in the annals of the sport.
Messi’s Argentina World Cup 2022 Shirts: The Auction Details
Sotheby‘s estimates that the shirts, prominently worn by Messi during the final, could surpass a staggering $10 million (£8 million). The auction house will proudly display these prized items at their New York headquarters from November 30 to December 14, offering the public a rare opportunity to witness football history up close during a free public exhibition.
Messi’s Argentina World Cup 2022 Shirts: Charitable Gesture
Beyond the allure of the auction, Messi has taken a commendable step by announcing that a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Unicas Project. This initiative, led by the Sant Joan de Deu Barcelona Children’s Hospital, focuses on supporting children grappling with rare diseases. Messi’s commitment to philanthropy adds an admirable dimension to the auction, elevating it beyond a mere commercial transaction.
Messi’s Argentina World Cup 2022 Shirts: Breaking Records in the Making
If the predictions hold true, Messi’s shirts could shatter existing records for sports memorabilia. The current benchmark is held by Michael Jordan’s 1998 NBA Finals jersey, which fetched an astounding $10.1 million (£8.1 million) at a Sotheby’s auction in New York in September 2022. Notably, this potential record-breaking sale underscores the global appeal and admiration for Messi’s contributions to the sport.
Argentina World Cup 2022 Shirts: Football Memorabilia Milestones
In the realm of football memorabilia, the current record for a game-worn item stands at $9.3 million (£7.4 million). This record was set in 2022 by the shirt worn by another legendary Argentinian, Diego Maradona, during the 1986 quarter-final victory over England, immortalized by Maradona’s infamous “Hand of God” goal. Messi’s shirts have the potential to surpass even this storied piece of football history.
A Tech-Driven Partnership
Sotheby’s collaboration with US-based tech start-up AC Momento adds a modern touch to this historic auction. AC Momento, known for partnering with high-profile athletes, will play a pivotal role in managing Messi’s match-worn memorabilia. This partnership not only enhances the auction’s technological footprint but also reflects the evolving landscape of sports memorabilia management.
Messi’s Legacy and Valiant Journey
Lionel Messi, currently gracing the MLS with Inter Miami, co-owned by the iconic David Beckham, has had a remarkable career. Over his 17 years at Barcelona, he secured LaLiga titles and lifted the Champions League trophy four times. With a record eight Ballon d’Or awards, Messi’s legacy is unparalleled, making Argentina’s World Cup win a crowning achievement in an illustrious career.
In the words of Brahm Wachter, Sotheby’s Head of Modern Collectibles, Argentina’s World Cup victory stands as “one of the greatest events in sports history, intrinsically connected to Messi’s valiant journey.” As the auction approaches, anticipation builds for what could be a historic moment in the world of sports memorabilia, marking the culmination of Messi’s extraordinary contributions to football.
In the upcoming auction, Messi’s Argentina World Cup 2022 Shirts have the potential not only to redefine the value of sports memorabilia but to etch a new chapter in the history of football collectibles.
