Lionel Messi is one of the greatest players the sport of soccer has witnessed to date and he has set the stage alight with his match-winning performances over the years. In December 2022 in Qatar, Lionel Messi reached the promised land as he won the most decorated trophy, the FIFA World Cup.
His performances in the World Cup were magical and all soccer fans dreamed of wanting his match-worn jerseys. Recently that dream turned into reality, the soccer star Lionel Messi’s six jerseys from Argentina’s World Cup victory last year sold for $7.8 million on December 14, according to Sotheby’s auction house.
Lionel Messi’s worn World Cup jerseys have been sold during a public auction in New York for $7.8M 🤯💰 pic.twitter.com/Q3YCqKjbDb
— All About Argentina 🛎🇦🇷 (@AlbicelesteTalk) December 14, 2023
Many fans took to various social media apps such as X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Reddit to put forth their views as fans were curious as to who would get that money from the jersey sale. One fan wrote, “Who gets that money?? I’m curious,” regarding the sale of Messi’s jerseys at the auction. However, no information has been released about the bidders.
Who gets that money?? I’m curious
— FAST. (Parody) (@FASTF4TI) December 14, 2023
According to Sotheby’s, the final price for the shirts—each of which was worn during the first half of an Argentina match at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar—is the highest amount ever paid for a piece of sports memorabilia this year. Argentina won its third World Cup after defeating France in a penalty shootout following a 3-3 tie in the championship match.
Shohei Ohtani breaks Lionel Messi’s jersey sale record in December 2023
The MLB sensation Shohei Ohtani broke a record for the most sales held by Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. The LA Dodgers and the Japanese two-way superstar inked an incredible 10-year, $700 million contract earlier this month. It’s the largest reported sports contract ever.
Days after the news of Ohtani’s massive contract was announced, he also surpassed Messi‘s record for shirt sales. Ohtani has surpassed the records for shirt sales set by Messi’s No. 10 jersey upon his arrival at Inter Miami this summer and Ronaldo’s No. 7 jersey with his return to Manchester United in 2021, according to retail giants Fanatics.
Shohei Ohtani just set our all-time record for highest sales within 48 hours of a jersey release 👀🐐#Fanatics #ThreadCount #ShoheiOhtani pic.twitter.com/2InI3DgO0H
— Fanatics (@Fanatics) December 13, 2023
Ohtani, a baseball talent who transcends generations, made history recently when he won the LA Angels’ second consecutive unanimous MVP award in three years. He is one of the top talents in baseball and is tipped to be the best in the world.
On the other hand, soccer superstars Messi and Ronaldo are still playing for their clubs and countries and are performing at their absolute best. With Ronaldo scoring 50 goals for club and country in 2023 and Messi reaching new heights with his new club Inter Miami CF.