A Record-Breaking Valuation: Messi's World Cup Jerseys Could Fetch Over $10 Million

Soccer legend Lionel Messi, known for his record-breaking feats, is on the verge of making history once again.

Sotheby's is set to auction a collection of six jerseys worn by Messi during Argentina's triumphant World Cup run last year. These jerseys, worn by the Argentine captain throughout the entirety of the month-long tournament, include the iconic final match against France.

The auction house anticipates bids exceeding $10 million for the sale, making it one of the most valuable collections of sports memorabilia ever auctioned. Should this be achieved, the price would surpass the $10.1 million sale of a jersey worn by Michael Jordan during Game 1 of the 1998 NBA Finals, famously known as his "Last Dance" season, at Sothebys last year. At present, this jersey holds the world record title for the most valuable item of sports memorabilia ever sold at auction, as confirmed by the auction house.

The legendary Diego Maradona currently holds the record for the highest price paid for a match-worn soccer memorabilia. Last year, Sothebys sold his infamous "Hand of God" shirt for a staggering $9.3 million. Initially, it was anticipated that bids would fall between $5 million and $7 million, indicating the possibility of even higher prices for Lionel Messi's jerseys.

According to Brahm Wachter, head of modern collectibles for Sothebys, the auction of these six shirts marks a significant moment in auction history. It provides fans and collectors with a unique connection to Messi's remarkable accomplishments. Sotheby's considers it an honor to present and display these priceless collectibles to the public, as they epitomize the extraordinary brilliance of a player who has revolutionized the standards of football excellence.

The highest-priced Messi jersey ever sold at an auction was a match-worn jersey from last year's 2017 El Clásico, where he played for his former team FC Barcelona against Cristiano Ronaldo's Real Madrid. The jersey sold for a staggering $450,000. Notably, it was during this intense match that Messi's last-minute goal, which marked his 500th career goal, secured the victory.

From November 30 to December 14, an online auction will be held for Messi's jerseys. These jerseys will also be showcased in a free exhibition at Sotheby's gallery in New York during the same period.

According to Sothebys, the Messi auction is taking place in a thriving market for sports memorabilia and collectibles. This market is driven by the unique offerings and experiences associated with these items. The auction is not the only one attracting attention from younger bidders, as auctions featuring jerseys from NFL star Tom Brady and the late NBA player Kobe Bryant are also capturing their interest. More than half of these bidders are under 40 years old, and a significant portion of them are completely new to Sothebys' sales, the company revealed.

At 36 years old, Messi recently joined the MLS team Inter Miami, after an impressive career spanning nearly two decades in European teams, most notably Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain. His arrival in MLS caused ticket prices to soar, and fans struggled to get their hands on replica jerseys for several months.

In Qatar last year, Messi played a crucial role in securing Argentina's historic third FIFA World Cup victory, marking his own first championship. This remarkable achievement was attained by triumphing over France in an exhilarating penalty shootout, widely regarded as one of the most captivating finals in the tournament's illustrious history. Adidas reported a rapid depletion of Messi's jerseys and the Argentine team kits, which experienced a surge in demand.