Europe Lionel Messi's World Cup Shirts Sell for Record $7.8M in Historic Auction

Six football shirts donned by Lionel Messi during Argentina's historic 2022 FIFA World Cup victory have shattered records, fetching a remarkable $7.8 million at a recent Sotheby's auction. This auction marks the most valuable sale of sporting memorabilia this year, with three competitive bids for what Sotheby's hailed as "Lionel Messi's match-worn iconic light blue and white, vertical striped Argentina shirts."

The hammer price not only sets a new benchmark for items linked to the Argentine star but also underscores the immense significance of Messi's World Cup journey. The shirts, worn during Argentina's thrilling 4-2 penalty victory over France at Qatar's Lusail Stadium on December 18, 2022, hold tangible value as artifacts from a historic sporting event.

Brahm Wachter, Sotheby's Head of Modern Collectibles, expressed the shirts' significance, stating, "The sale of these six shirts stands as a monumental occasion in auction history, offering fans and collectors a connection to Messi’s crowning achievement." The auctioneer emphasized the shirts' role in encapsulating the brilliance of a player who has redefined football excellence and solidified his status as the greatest player of all time.

The World Cup success adds to Messi's remarkable year, culminating in being named Time magazine's "Athlete of the Year" for 2023. This accolade follows his eighth Ballon d'Or award and his groundbreaking move to Major League Soccer's Inter Miami. Messi's impact was immediate, playing a pivotal role in Miami's Leagues Cup triumph, a significant achievement in his MLS journey.

As these historic shirts change hands in a momentous auction, they not only serve as tangible reminders of a pivotal sports moment but are intrinsically linked to the zenith of the most decorated football player's illustrious career.

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