Lionel Messi's 2022 FIFA World Cup jerseys going up for auction

By Emre Asikci

ISTANBUL (AA) - A set of six white-and-blue shirts that Lionel Messi wore during Argentina's 2022 World Cup victory are up for auction, Sotheby's confirmed on Monday.

"These match worn shirts are artifacts of Messi's legacy. They symbolize the culmination of a career filled with hard work, and an undying passion for the beautiful game," the London-based auctioneers said in a statement. "Messi's 2022 World Cup journey was about more than just winning; it was about inspiring generations of footballers and fans."

If the No. 10 jerseys sell for more than $9.3 million, they could beat the current highest price for sports memorabilia at a public auction.

The $9.3 million came from the sale of Diego Maradona’s 1986 World Cup jersey in the quarterfinal against England, sold at Sotheby’s in May 2022.

In one of the most unforgettable goals in the history of the World Cup, the Argentine football star flicked the ball with his hand over goalkeeper Peter Shilton and into the net, though the referee was unable to notice his trick.

Maradona later said the goal was scored "a little with the head of Maradona and a little with the hand of God."

Argentina won their third World Cup in the 2022 final against France, in a penalty shootout after a 3-3 draw at Doha's Lusail Stadium, in which Messi scored twice.

Sotheby’s, founded in London in 1744, will offer Messi’s shirts in New York in December and the jerseys will be on view at the New York headquarters.