Sotheby’s, the auction house handling the sale, has estimated the collection’s value to exceed US$10 million. This auction is expected to set a new benchmark, potentially becoming the most valuable collection of sports memorabilia ever sold at auction. A significant aspect of this auction is its charitable component, with a portion of the proceeds earmarked for the UNICAS Project. This initiative, led by Sant Joan de Deu (SJD) Barcelona Children’s Hospital and supported by the Leo Messi Foundation, aims to address the needs of children suffering from rare diseases.
The auction, featuring Messi’s iconic white and sky blue shirts, will be open for bids from November 30 to December 14. This period will also include a public exhibition showcasing the collection, allowing fans and collectors a closer look at these historic items.
The current record for the highest price paid for a piece of game-worn sports memorabilia is held by Michael Jordan’s jersey from the opening game of the 1998 NBA Final, which fetched US$10.1 million last year. Messi’s World Cup shirts are poised to challenge this record, highlighting the immense value and historical significance attached to items worn by sports legends.
The auction not only celebrates Messi’s extraordinary achievements on the football field but also supports a noble cause, blending the worlds of sports, philanthropy, and collectibles in a remarkable event.
