Six jerseys worn by Lionel Messi during Argentina’s winning run at last year’s World Cup have been sold for $7.8 million, making it the highest price for an item of sports memorabilia this year. The shirts were worn by Messi during the first half of Argentina’s games at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where they defeated France in a penalty shootout to win their third World Cup. The victory was a significant moment for Messi, who scored two of Argentina’s three goals in the final. The auction house Sotheby’s, which conducted the sale, stated that the jerseys are not only a reminder of a historic moment in sports but also connected to the pinnacle moment in the career of one of the greatest football players in history. A portion of the auction proceeds will be donated to the UNICAS Project, which supports children suffering from rare diseases. Messi, who currently plays for Inter Miami in the MLS, has won the Ballon d’Or a record eight times. Although Sotheby’s had hoped the Messi jerseys would set an auction record for game-worn sports memorabilia, the record still remains with Michael Jordan’s 1998 NBA Finals jersey, which sold for $10.1 million last year.
Six jerseys worn by Lionel Messi during Argentina’s victorious run at the previous year’s World Cup have been sold for a whopping $7.8 million, as announced by auction house Sotheby’s. These shirts, worn by Messi during the first half of different games in the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, fetched the highest price for sports memorabilia this year. Argentina emerged triumphant in the World Cup final against France after a thrilling 3-3 draw, with Messi scoring two of the team’s three goals. This momentous victory marked a significant milestone in the career of one of the greatest football players in history. Sotheby’s head of modern collectibles, Brahm Wachter, emphasized that these iconic shirts serve as tangible reminders of a pivotal moment in sports history, particularly connected to the remarkable achievements of the most decorated football player ever. The auction took place online over a two-week period, with the shirts showcased at Sotheby’s New York headquarters. The identity of the winning bidder has not been disclosed. A portion of the auction proceeds will be donated to the UNICAS Project, led by Sant Joan de Déu Barcelona Children’s Hospital in collaboration with the Leo Messi Foundation, to provide assistance to children suffering from rare diseases. Messi, who currently plays for Inter Miami in the MLS, spent 17 years at Barcelona and has won the prestigious Ballon d’Or award a record eight times. While Sotheby’s had hoped to set a new auction record for game-worn sports memorabilia with the Messi shirts, that milestone remains with Michael Jordan’s 1998 NBA Finals jersey, which sold for $10.1 million at a Sotheby’s auction in New York last year.
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