By Milcah Tanimu

Sotheby’s announces the auction of six jerseys worn by Lionel Messi during Argentina’s triumphant 2022 World Cup, estimating their value at $10 million. Messi sported these jerseys in pivotal matches against Saudi Arabia, Mexico, Australia, the Netherlands, Croatia, and the final against France.

Messi’s victory in the 2022 World Cup holds immense significance, marking a long-awaited achievement after falling short in four previous World Cups.

Should the jerseys surpass the $10 million mark, it could establish a new record for the most valuable sports memorabilia ever auctioned, potentially exceeding the $10.1 million sale of a jersey worn by basketball legend Michael Jordan during the 1998 NBA finals with the Chicago Bulls.

Facilitated by US tech startup AC Momento, known for assisting athletes in managing memorabilia collections, the auction will contribute a portion of its proceeds to the UNICAS Project. This initiative, affiliated with a Barcelona children’s hospital, supports children with rare diseases.

The jerseys will be on public display at no cost from November 30 to December 14, providing enthusiasts with an opportunity to view these historic items before the auction. The heightened interest in sports memorabilia underscores the growing market for such collectibles in recent years.