Lionel Messi: match worn world cup jerseys sold for millions at auction after world cup success
Lionel Messi’s game-used jerseys were auctioned off, and the tale of his incredible 2022 FIFA World Cup campaign will live on. After a 3-3 draw over 120 minutes, he led Argentina to a global victory in Qatar, defeating the reigning champions, France, 4-3 on penalties in the championship match.
The Copa America champions defeated Saudi Arabia in their inaugural match, overcoming an early deficit to win the one prize their captain’s remarkable career lacked. Ever since the competition ended, Lionel Messi’s career has changed. After quitting football in Europe, he plays for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer.
Forbes detailed that according to Forbes Six of the jerseys Lionel Messi wore in Qatar were auctioned off for an incredible $7.803 million by Sotheby’s, a New York-based auction house. His match shirt from their 2-0 group stage victory over Poland is the only item missing; it was most likely traded for an opponent’s jersey.
This ensured their advancement to the knockout stage. After Michael Jordan’s 1998 NBA Finals jersey was sold for $10.1 million, the memento became the most costly sports jersey ever and the most expensive Messi item ever sold.
Diego Maradona’s “Hand of God” goal jersey from the 1986 FIFA World Cup, which brought $9.28 million at auction in May 2022, is the second item on that list. According to Marca, the Leo Messi Foundation and Sant Joan de Déu Barcelona Children’s Hospital are leading the UNICAS Project, which aims to aid children with uncommon disorders.
