NEW YORK – Six jerseys worn by Argentina superstar Lionel Messi during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar were auctioned off for US$7.8 million (RM36.41 million) on Thursday, reported German news agency dpa.
The jerseys included one from Argentina’s victory over France in the final, which sealed their first World Cup title since 1986 and third overall.
Despite hopes that the lot would reach a record price, the total fell short of the highest price paid for a match-worn jersey at auction, which still stands at the US$10.1 million spent in September 2022 on Michael Jordan’s 1998 NBA Finals Game 1 jersey.
However, the eventual price is the highest for sports memorabilia at auction this year and sets a record for Messi memorabilia. The previous record spent on a match-worn piece from Messi was US$450,000 for a Barcelona jersey he wore in El Clasico against Real Madrid in 2017.
Sotheby’s did not initially disclose who purchased them. Part of the proceeds are to be donated to charity. – December 15, 2023