REUTERS/Hannah Mckay
Lionel Messi’s triumphant victory in the 2022 FIFA World Cup final over France has not only left an indelible mark on football history but also set the stage for a record-breaking sale of his iconic shirts. The anticipation is high as a set of six shirts worn by Messi throughout the tournament are set to go under the hammer at Sotheby’s in New York.
With bids already reaching a staggering $6.5 million, experts expect the final sale price to surpass $10 million, breaking the current record for the most expensive sports top. This highly anticipated auction has captured the attention of football enthusiasts and collectors alike, eager to own a piece of history.
The Journey to the Final
Messi’s shirts up for auction offer a unique glimpse into his journey towards World Cup glory. The set includes two shirts worn during the group stage, as well as the shirts from the Round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals, and the final. Each shirt represents a significant milestone in Argentina’s path to victory, and the opportunity to own these artifacts holds immense value for fans worldwide.
Throughout the tournament, Messi showcased his exceptional skills, finishing with an impressive tally of seven goals and three assists. His outstanding performance earned him the coveted Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player and the Silver Boot as the second-highest scorer, trailing only behind France’s Kylian Mbappé. His contributions on the field were instrumental in Argentina’s success, and his shirts encapsulate the essence of his remarkable journey.
A Price Record in the Making
The excitement surrounding the auction of Messi’s shirts is not solely due to their historical significance. If the lot attracts bids exceeding $10.1 million, it will set a new price record for sports tops, surpassing the previous milestone of $10.091 million set last year for a jersey worn by basketball legend Michael Jordan during Game 1 of the 1998 NBA Finals.
Furthermore, if the bidding continues to soar, Messi’s shirts will become the most expensive football kit ever sold, surpassing the £7,142,500 paid earlier this year for the shirt worn by Diego Maradona during the iconic 1986 World Cup match against England.
It is worth noting that the Maradona shirt, which holds tremendous historical significance due to the infamous “hand of God” goal, has been owned for the past 35 years by England midfielder Steve Hodge. The two players exchanged shirts at the end of the game, forever linking their legacies.
The fact that Messi’s potential record-breaking sale surpasses Maradona’s iconic shirt demonstrates the magnitude of his achievements and the reverence he commands within the football world.
A Testament to Messi’s Legacy
The auction of Messi’s World Cup shirts not only symbolizes a remarkable financial milestone but also serves as a testament to his enduring legacy. Throughout his career, Messi has amassed an impressive collection of awards, including 10 LaLiga titles with Barcelona, four Champions League wins, and Copa América and Finalissima trophies with Argentina. He was already the most decorated football player ever, having been awarded seven Ballon d’Ors, and has since secured another.
In Messi’s own words, the World Cup trophy was the ultimate dream he had been chasing throughout his career. Finally achieving this coveted title brought a profound sense of fulfillment and marked a turning point in his journey. Reflecting on that momentous occasion, Messi states in the auction catalogue, “It was amazing. Everything changed for me that day. We finally got what we had dreamed of so much, the thing I’ve wanted for so long in my career. And it finally came at the end.”
The Significance of the Shirts
Each shirt being sold in the auction holds a unique place in Messi’s World Cup campaign. The shirts worn during the group stage represent the early stages of Argentina’s journey, where they battled against tough opponents to secure their place in the knockout rounds. These shirts carry the weight of anticipation and determination, as Messi and his teammates fought to make their mark on the tournament.
As the tournament progressed, the Round of 16, quarter-finals, and semi-finals saw Messi and his teammates face increasingly challenging opponents. The shirts worn during these pivotal matches encapsulate the intensity and resilience displayed by the Argentine team as they advanced towards the ultimate prize. Each shirt holds a story of perseverance, teamwork, and the unwavering spirit of competition.
Finally, the shirt worn by Messi during the World Cup final against France embodies the pinnacle of his achievement. With two goals in the final match, Messi played a crucial role in securing Argentina’s victory. This shirt represents the culmination of years of dedication, sacrifice, and unwavering belief in his abilities. It stands as a symbol of triumph and the realization of a lifelong dream.
The Impact Beyond Football
The significance of the auction extends beyond the realm of football. The Unicas project, led by Sant Joan de Déu Barcelona Children’s hospital in collaboration with the Leo Messi Foundation, will receive a portion of the proceeds from the sale.
This project aims to support children with rare diseases, providing them with the necessary care and resources to improve their quality of life. By investing in the well-being of these children, Messi continues to use his influence and success to make a positive impact off the field.
A Glorious Legacy Preserved
The auction of Lionel Messi’s World Cup shirts represents a unique opportunity for fans and collectors to possess a tangible piece of football history. As enthusiasts eagerly await the final bidding results, the anticipation continues to grow. The sale not only sets the stage for a potential record-breaking transaction but also serves as a testament to Messi’s remarkable career and his enduring legacy.
Through his extraordinary talent and unwavering dedication, Messi has etched his name in the annals of football history. His shirts, worn during Argentina’s victorious 2022 FIFA World Cup campaign, encapsulate the spirit of triumph, resilience, and camaraderie that define this beautiful game.
The auction at Sotheby’s will not only celebrate Messi’s achievements but also contribute to a greater cause, supporting children with rare diseases. When the gavel falls and sets the final price, it will preserve Messi’s legacy forever, inspire future generations, and ignite the passion for football in the hearts of fans around the world.
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