21-11-2023 (NEW YORK) Sotheby’s is gearing up to auction six iconic shirts worn by Lionel Messi during Argentina’s triumphant journey at the 2022 soccer World Cup in Qatar. The auction house believes this collection could potentially become the most valuable sports memorabilia ever sold, fetching over $10 million.
Sotheby’s announced on Monday that it will present for auction six of the seven first-half shirts worn by the Argentina captain in Qatar, including the one donned during the thrilling final against France. The final, held at Lusail Stadium, saw Messi scoring two goals in a 3-3 draw, leading to Argentina’s victory in a penalty shootout, securing their third World Cup.
The auction, scheduled to take place in New York between Nov. 30 and Dec. 14, will feature Messi’s historic shirts. Prior to the auction, the shirts will be displayed at Sotheby’s New York headquarters in a free public exhibition during the bidding dates. Sotheby’s is collaborating with AC Momento, a U.S.-based tech startup partnering with high-profile athletes to manage their match-worn memorabilia.
The current record for game-worn sports memorabilia is held by Michael Jordan’s 1998 NBA Finals jersey, sold for $10.1 million at Sotheby’s in New York in September 2022. In soccer, the record is held by a shirt worn by Diego Maradona during Argentina’s 1986 quarterfinal victory over England, selling for $9.3 million at Sotheby’s London in May 2022.
Messi’s accomplishment in winning and lifting the World Cup last year mirrored Diego Maradona’s feat in 1986, the previous occasion Argentina claimed the trophy. A portion of the auction proceeds will be donated to the UNICAS Project, led by Sant Joan de Déu (SJD) Barcelona Children’s Hospital, with the support of the Leo Messi Foundation. The funds will be directed towards meeting the needs of children suffering from rare diseases.
Messi, now 36, currently plays for Inter Miami in the MLS and spent 17 illustrious years at Barcelona, winning Spain’s league and the European Champions League. He has clinched the Ballon d’Or, awarded annually to the top player, an unprecedented eight times.
