Six jerseys worn by Lionel Messi during Argentina’s historic 2022 World Cup triumph are set to go under the hammer in a landmark auction at Sotheby’s New York. The collection, including the iconic shirt Messi wore in the final against France, is expected to fetch over £8 million, with Sotheby’s describing the sale as a “monumental occasion in auction history.”
Messi, who captained Argentina to victory, made history in Qatar by becoming the first player to score in every stage of a single World Cup—from the group stage through to the final. The auction offers fans and collectors a rare opportunity to own pieces of football history and underscores Messi’s legacy as one of the greatest players of all time.
Brahm Wachter, head of modern collectables at Sotheby’s, highlighted the importance of the jerseys, saying they capture Messi’s extraordinary journey and contributions to the sport. The auction will run from November 30 to December 14, with the shirts available for public viewing at Sotheby’s New York headquarters.
Of the seven matches Argentina played, six jerseys worn by Messi will be auctioned. Notably, only two of the three shirts from the group stage are included, as one was swapped with Australia’s Cameron Devlin.
A portion of the auction proceeds will benefit the Unicas Project, supported by the Leo Messi Foundation, which aids children suffering from rare diseases at Sant Joan de Deu (SJD) Barcelona Children’s Hospital.
This auction not only celebrates Messi’s footballing achievements but also combines sporting history with charitable impact, making it a truly landmark event in the world of sports memorabilia.
