• Lionel Messi's FIFA World Cup-winning jerseys set for record-breaking auction

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    Lionel Messi's FIFA World Cup-winning jerseys set for record-breaking auction
    The Argentina captain wore seven jerseys in the first half, including one in the championship, and Sotheby's told us that six of those will go up for auction in New York.


    Digital Desk: Lionel Messi's Argentina World Cup 2023 jerseys from their championship run in Qatar are scheduled to go under the hammer. The renowned football player from Argentina revealed on social media that a part of the auction proceeds would be donated to the Unicas Project, which is a program for kids with rare diseases run by Sant Joan de Deu Barcelona Children's Hospital.

    The six jerseys that Argentina captain Lionel Messi wore, including the one in the thrilling championship match against France, are estimated by auctioneers Sotheby's to be worth over USD 10 million, making them the most valuable collection of sports memorabilia ever.

    The Argentina captain wore seven jerseys in the first half, including one in the championship, and Sotheby's told us that six of those will go up for auction in New York.



    It is possible that Lionel Messi, who is renowned for shattering records on the pitch, will do the same off it. The price set for a Michael Jordan jersey from Game 1 of the 1998 NBA Final, which sold for USD 10.1 million at Sotheby's last year, would be surpassed if Messi's jerseys fetch more than USD 10 million in sales.

    According to Sotheby's, that jersey is presently the "most valuable item of sports memorabilia" that has ever been sold at auction. With a sale at Sotheby's for USD 9.3 million last year, the late Diego Maradona presently holds the record for the most costly match-worn piece of football memorabilia.

    In the FIFA World Cup 2022, Argentina defeated France in a penalty shootout to become the third-time World Champions. Messi scored two goals in the 3-3 tie.

    The auction for Messi's clothes will take place between November 30 and December 14. The shirts will also be shown as part of a free public exhibition at Sotheby's offices in New York.

    Messi, who is presently a player for Inter Miami in the US, spent 17 years with Barcelona, where he won four Champions League titles and many La Liga titles. He holds the record with eight Ballon d'Or victories.