Lionel Messi, a footballing legend, captivated the world during the 2022 FIFA World Cup as he led Argentina to victory. Now, fans and collectors have a chance to own a piece of history as a set of Messi’s game-worn jerseys will go up for auction at Sotheby’s.
The auction, taking place from November 30 to December 14, is expected to draw bids in the staggering range of eight figures, showcasing the global stature of Messi and the significance of these items. The jerseys included in the collection are from the Final, Semi-final, Quarter-final, Round of 16, and two Group Stage matches.
Sotheby’s, renowned for its auctions of prestigious art and collectibles, will host the event, following the recent trend of record-breaking sales for sports memorabilia. The jerseys worn by basketball legend Michael Jordan in the NBA Finals and Diego Maradona’s infamous “Hand of God” shirt have both fetched astronomical prices. With Messi’s jerseys now entering the auction scene, they are expected to join this elite club.
The auction is orchestrated by AC Momento, a leading tech company specializing in sports memorabilia. The company partners with world-class athletes to curate and auction their game-worn items, making them accessible to enthusiastic fans and collectors. John Brennan, the CEO of AC Momento and an experienced collector, expressed his excitement for this groundbreaking event, as it offers fans a tangible connection to Messi’s monumental achievements on the football field.
Adding to the significance of the auction, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the UNICAS Project. This initiative, supported by the Leo Messi Foundation and under the auspices of the SJD Barcelona Children’s Hospital, aims to provide assistance to children with rare diseases. Thus, the potential buyers not only have the opportunity to own a cherished piece of Messi’s history but also contribute to a worthy cause.
Before the auction takes place, the jerseys will be showcased at Sotheby’s New York offices. This allows admirers and passionate fans to see up close and personal the garments that Messi wore during the World Cup, a time when he reached the pinnacle of his illustrious career. The exhibition creates a sense of anticipation and excitement, amplifying the already sky-high expectations for the auction.
Collectors and fans of Lionel Messi eagerly await the auction of these historic jerseys. With bids projected to soar past $10 million, the jerseys represent not only a chance to own an iconic piece of football history but also an opportunity to support a noble cause. The upcoming event at Sotheby’s is sure to be a spectacle, as the world waits to see whose love for Messi and passion for collecting will drive this bidding war to unprecedented heights.
