Lionel Messi's iconic jerseys from Argentina's triumphant 2022 FIFA World Cup journey fetched a staggering $7.8 million at a recent Sotheby’s auction, marking the highest sale for sports memorabilia this year.
These six jerseys, each worn by Messi during the initial halves of Argentina’s games in Qatar, symbolize pivotal moments of their World Cup campaign, culminating in a nail-biting victory against France in the final. Messi's stellar performance, netting two of Argentina’s three goals, sealed the nation's third World Cup win, solidifying his status as an all-time soccer legend.
Brahm Wachter, head of modern collectables at Sotheby’s, highlighted the significance of these shirts, describing them as more than just sports artefacts but as tangible emblems of a historic sporting milestone and a pinnacle moment in Messi's illustrious career.
The shirts were showcased at Sotheby’s New York headquarters throughout the two-week online auction, concluding with an undisclosed buyer clinching the prized possessions.
A portion of the proceeds from this landmark sale will be directed to the UNICAS Project, a collaboration between Sant Joan de Déu Barcelona Children’s Hospital and the Leo Messi Foundation, aimed at supporting children afflicted by rare diseases.
Despite falling short of setting a new auction record for game-worn sports memorabilia, the sale contributes to Messi's enduring legacy in the football world. While currently playing for Inter Miami in the MLS, Messi's illustrious career spanning 17 years at Barcelona saw him secure a record eight Ballon d’Or titles, solidifying his status as one of the greatest athletes of all time.
Although the Messi jerseys didn't surpass the pinnacle set by Michael Jordan's 1998 NBA Finals jersey, which fetched $10.1 million at Sotheby’s last year, their sale remains a testament to Messi's global impact and enduring legacy in the realm of sports.
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