Lionel Messi’s World Cup-winning jersey collection surprisingly falls short of Michael Jordan’s $10.1 million match-worn shirt

Messi's WC-winning collection fell short to 'Hand of God' and Air Jordan.

Lionel Messi’s World Cup-winning jersey collection surprisingly falls short of Michael Jordan’s $10.1 million match-worn shirt

Messi's World Cup-winning jersey collection fell short to Michael Jordan's '98 NBA finals match-worn shirt. (Via Sotheby's & NBA)

Lionel Messi‘s historical World Cup win with Argentina will forever remain a moment to remember in football history. The player’s decision to put up six of his seven match-worn jerseys in the tournament came as a surprise to many. Several fans were convinced that the historic collection would fetch well over $10 million, making it the most valuable piece of sports memorabilia to exist. However, the $7.8 million selling price came as a shocker to many.

The collection of 7 jerseys features all but one kit which was given away by the Argentine after a group stage match. Subsequently, bidding for the same opened on December 1st and concluded on the 14th, 5 days ago. Even though the jerseys went for a whopping $7.8 million, they fell short of both Diego Maradona‘s “Hand of God” jersey and Michael Jordan‘s game-worn jersey from the 1998 NBA finals.

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While the Argentine’s jersey sold for a monstrous $9.3 million, the record for the most valuable piece of sports memorabilia is still held by Michael Jordan. His jersey sold for a record price of $10.1 million.

Sotheby’s in New York placed Messi’s jersey correction for display, setting headlines with a whopping $5.2 million opening bid. Despite falling short of the record, Messi’s jerseys broke the record held by Kobe Bryant and LeBron James.

Lionel Messi returns to face boyhood club with Inter Miami

Lionel Messi began his ‘career’ in football with Argentine club Newell’s Old Boys. A young Lionel Messi was scouted back in 2000 from the club and he proceeded to spend 17 seasons at FC Barcelona henceforth. The Argentine, now 36, will return to face his first club after leaving 24 years ago. Both Lionel Messi and Inter Miami coach Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino have donned the red and black of Newell’s.

Lionel Messi and Tata Martino return to face Newell's Old Boys
Lionel Messi and Tata Martino return to face Newell’s Old Boys. (Via X/@brfootball & FC Barcelona)

Miami announced that they will be hosting the duo’s boyhood club on the 15th of February, as part of their preseason. 

It will be a special match because if everything Newell's Old Boys means to me.
Tata Martino said in a press-conference

It is safe to assume that Lionel Messi will also share the same feelings. The #10 paid tribute to the late Diego Maradona in a Newell’s Old Boys home kit.

Ahead of the game, both Tata Martino and Inter Miami Sporting Director Chris Henderson expressed their excitement. It was earlier announced that Inter Miami and Al-Nassr will face off against each other on the first of February.

Messi and co. are currently on vacation after Miami failed to make it to the playoffs. Al-Nassr on the other hand, are currently 2nd in the Saudi Pro League and will face Al-Ettifaq on December 22.

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