Lionel Messi's 6 2022 World Cup-Winning Jerseys Sell for $7.8M at New York Auction

In a historic auction on Thursday, six Lionel Messi jerseys he has worn during Argentina's triumphant 2022 World Cup campaign, including one from the final victory over France, sold for a staggering $7.8 million, according to ESPN.

The auction, held at Sotheby's New York, witnessed three bids contributing to the record-breaking selling price, inclusive of the buyer's premium.

This remarkable sum marks the highest for sports memorabilia at auction this year and establishes a new record for Lionel Messi-related items.

The previous record was set in May 2022, when $450,000 was spent on a shirt Messi wore during a Barcelona-Real Madrid clash in 2017.

Messi captained Argentina to victory in December, overcoming France in a thrilling 3-3 draw and securing the title in a penalty shootout.

The collection of jerseys up for auction included those worn by Messi in various stages of the World Cup, from the group stage to the final triumph over France.

Lionel Messi World Cup-Winning Jerseys Auction

The bidding for Messi's jerseys commenced last month with an initial bid of $5.2 million, eventually reaching $6.3 million with the buyer's premium.

The leading bid remained at $6.5 million until the closing moments of the two-week auction, surging to the final $7.8 million at the last minute.

The identity of the winning bidder remains undisclosed at the time of writing.

Notably, this bid did not outstrip the previous record for sports memorabilia held by Michael Jordan's Chicago Bulls jersey from the 1998 NBA Finals Game 1, which sold for $10.1 million last September, per the Daily Mail.

Lionel Messi's jerseys now stand as the most valuable sports memorabilia sold at auction this year.

This $7.8 million bid also ranks among the highest figures ever paid, surpassing the previous record for Messi-related items set last year.

Will There Be Lionel Messi 2026 World Cup-Winning Jerseys?

As speculation swirls around Lionel Messi's future, the question arises whether there will be jerseys from the 2026 World Cup.

Messi's contract with Inter Miami in Major League Soccer runs until the end of the 2025 season, with an option to extend for 2026, The Athletic noted.

Turning 39 during the 2026 World Cup, hosted by the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, Messi remains uncertain about his participation despite sounding more open to the idea in recent interviews.

Regarded by many as the greatest soccer player of all time, Lionel Messi's triumph in Qatar marked a pinnacle in his illustrious career.

Despite Argentina's initial setback in the opening game against Saudi Arabia, Messi led his team to a historic World Cup victory, contributing seven goals and three assists, including two crucial goals in the final against France.

Post-World Cup, Messi joined Inter Miami, winning the Leagues Cup and securing his eighth Ballon d'Or.

The auction of his jerseys not only sets records but also highlights the enduring legacy of a football icon.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

WATCH: Lionel Messi's World Cup jerseys sell at auction for $7.8 million - From CBS New York