Lionel Messi to Auction Six Match-Worn World Cup 2022 Jerseys for a Charitable Cause

London: Sotheby’s is set to auction off six shirts worn by Lionel Messi during Argentina’s winning run at last year’s FIFA World Cup in Qatar and thinks they could become the most valuable collection of sports memorabilia ever sold at potentially more than $10 million. The auction house said Monday that it will put up for sale in New York six of the seven first-half jerseys the Argentina captain wore in Qatar, including the one he donned in the dramatic win in the final against France.

Like many footballers, he often swaps his shirt with someone from the opposing side at the end of each match, his being the most-sought after. In defeating France in a penalty shootout after a 3-3 draw at Lusail Stadium, Argentina won its third World Cup. Messi scored two of the country’s goals.

Sotheby’s, which was founded in London in 1744, will offer Messi’s shirts between November 30 and December 14. A free exhibition at the company’s New York headquarters will allow the public to see the shirts during the bidding dates.