(Reuters) – In New York on Thursday, six shirts worn by Lionel Messi during Argentina’s victorious performance in the 2022 World Cup were auctioned for $7.8 million.
Sotheby’s, the auction house, confirmed that the price of the shirt set broke the previous record for the sale of an item associated with the player, making it the most valuable sports memorabilia auctioned this year.
The collection included the shirt Messi donned during the first half of the final against France in Qatar.
Brahm Wachter, Head of Modern Collectables at Sotheby’s, stated, “These historic shirts are not only a tangible reminder of one of the most important moments in the history of sports but are principally connected to the pinnacle moment in the career of the most decorated football player in history.”
Last year, Michael Jordan’s jersey from the opening game of the 1998 NBA Final set the record for the highest price paid for a game-worn sports memorabilia item, fetching $10.1 million.
Tommy Lund in Gdansk reported; Clare Fallon edited.
