Messi, Will He Surpass Jordan... Aiming for 13 Billion Won in World Cup Jersey Auction

Messi World Cup Winning Jersey Up for Auction
Estimated at 12.9 Billion KRW... "Will Be a Valuable Collection"

The uniform worn by Lionel Messi (Inter Miami), who led Argentina to victory in the 2022 Qatar World Cup, is going up for auction.

According to foreign media including CNN on the 20th (local time), the American auction house Sotheby's will hold an auction for six uniform T-shirts worn by Messi during the Qatar World Cup from the 30th of this month until the 14th of next month.

Among the auction items is the uniform T-shirt Messi wore during the first half of the final against France. Additionally, uniforms worn by Messi in the semifinals, quarterfinals, round of 16, and group stage are also expected to be auctioned.

Sotheby's expressed confidence about this auction collection, calling it "the most valuable sports memorabilia collection," and estimated that the bidding price would exceed 10 million dollars (approximately 12.9 billion KRW).

Lionel Messi. [Photo by AP Yonhap News]

Sotheby's stated, "Selling these six uniforms will be a monumental event in auction history, showcasing Messi's greatest achievements to fans and collectors." They added, "It is an honor for Sotheby's to present and exhibit these precious collectibles that capture the pure brilliance of a player who redefined football excellence."

Previously, the Chicago Bulls jersey worn by Michael Jordan during his last NBA championship win in 1998 sold for 10.1 million dollars (approximately 13.074 billion KRW). This is the highest price ever paid for an outfit worn by an athlete in competition.

Among football players, the highest price was paid for the uniform worn by Argentina's legend Diego Maradona during the 1986 Mexico World Cup quarterfinal against England, known for the 'Hand of God' incident, which sold for 9.3 million dollars (approximately 1.197 billion KRW).

[Image source=Official Sotheby's website]

Meanwhile, part of the auction proceeds will be donated to a children's hospital in Spain supported by the 'Leo Messi Foundation,' established by Messi, to help children suffering from rare diseases. However, Sotheby's has not disclosed the exact amount to be donated. Additionally, Messi's uniforms will be exhibited free of charge at the Sotheby's gallery in New York during the auction period.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.