Lionel Messi’s World Cup-Winning Jerseys Fetch Record-Breaking $7.8 Million
Lionel Messi, the Argentine football superstar, has set a new record in the world of sports memorabilia. Recently, six of Messi’s jerseys worn during his remarkable World Cup journey last year were auctioned off for an astonishing price of $7.8 million at Sotheby’s.
A Historic Auction
These jerseys include the one that Messi donned during Argentina’s victorious final match. Surpassing the previous record held by a 2017 jersey, which was sold for $450,000, this sale marks the highest price ever paid for Messi memorabilia.
A Phenomenal Feat
The jerseys up for auction represented Messi’s performances in six out of the seven matches he played in the World Cup, with only one group stage game missing. Although this collection fell short of the auction house’s all-time record set by Michael Jordan’s 1998 NBA Finals jersey ($10.1 million), it still stands as an extraordinary achievement.
Legendary Status
It’s worth noting that this sale is not the first time a football jersey has fetched an astronomical price. Diego Maradona’s jersey from the historic “Hand of God” goal sold for a remarkable $9.3 million. However, Messi’s jerseys have now surpassed the value of LeBron James’ jersey from Game 7 of the 2013 NBA Finals, which sold for $3.68 million.
Golden Ball Winner
Messi’s extraordinary performance in the World Cup earned him the prestigious Golden Ball award for being the most outstanding player of the tournament. With two goals and a decisive penalty that secured Argentina’s victory over France in the final, Messi became the only player to win the award twice. At 36 years old, Messi announced that the 2022 World Cup would be his last, although he did participate in a recent 2026 qualifier.
A Lasting Legacy
With this auction, the legacy of Messi and his contributions to Argentine football will forever be commemorated. Argentina’s third-ever World Cup title was a historic achievement, and these jerseys serve as a tribute to this remarkable accomplishment.
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