Messi Makes History: Argentina star's World Cup jerseys set to beat Maradona to Auction throne

Argentina’s World Cup-winning captain, Lionel Messi, is once again at the forefront of breaking records, but this time in the world of sports memorabilia.

Messi's shirts worn during the 2022 FIFA World Cup final, a tournament that saw Argentina crowned champions for the first time in 37 years, are expected to reach a groundbreaking auction fee, potentially setting a new high in sports auction history, according to World Soccer Talk.

According to Guardian Sport on X, the auction for Messi's World Cup jerseys, which includes six of the Argentina kits he wore during the 2022 World Cup, is projected to garner more than $10 million.

This anticipated amount is poised to surpass the current record for the most expensive piece of sports memorabilia sold at auction. Currently, this record is held by Michael Jordan’s jersey from the 1998 NBA Finals, which sold for $10.1 million earlier this year.

As far as football jerseys go, the current record for the most expensive memorabilia is held by another Argentine, Diego Maradona, whose 'Hand of God' kit fetched $9.32 million last summer.

Messi's shirts, especially the one he wore during the World Cup Final against France, are expected to break this record, highlighting the immense value and historical significance attached to these items.

The auction for Messi's World Cup kits is being managed by Sotheby’s, where all six shirts are listed as a bundle, and the bidder will receive the entire collection.

Interestingly, each of these shirts is from the first halves of the games at the World Cup, as Messi, like many players, changes shirts at halftime. This auction commemorates Messi's incredible performance in Qatar, where he was awarded the tournament’s best player and cemented his legacy as one of the greatest players of all time.

A part of the proceeds from this auction is set to go towards the UNICAS Project, an initiative led by the Barcelona Children’s Hospital Sant Joan de Jeu aimed at combating rare diseases affecting children. This move adds a philanthropic dimension to the auction, underscoring Messi's commitment to giving back to the community.

The significance of these jerseys extends beyond their monetary value. They represent Messi's greatest achievement as a player, embodying his extraordinary journey in the sport.

For fans and collectors, acquiring these jerseys is not just about owning a piece of sports history but also about holding a symbol of Messi's unparalleled career and his contribution to football.

The auction of Lionel Messi's World Cup jerseys at Sotheby’s opens a new chapter in the history of sports memorabilia, blending the worlds of sports, history, and philanthropy.