Record-breaking auction falls just short

Lionel Messi's six shirts from the 2022 World Cup were recently auctioned off in New York, fetching an impressive total of £6.1 million. However, the final bid fell short of the £8.1 million record fee set 25 years ago.

Michael Jordan's jersey still holds the record

The record fee was achieved by basketball legend Michael Jordan's Chicago Bulls jersey from the 1998 NBA Finals Game 1 in the Last Dance season, which sold for £8.1 million.

No football record broken either

Messi also couldn't break the football record set by Diego Maradona's "Hand of God" jersey, which sold for £7.1 million in 2022.

Messi's historic World Cup performance

Messi captained Argentina to victory at the Qatar World Cup, with the team defeating France on penalties after a thrilling 3-3 draw in the final. The six shirts up for auction were worn by Messi during the first half of the final, the semi-final against Croatia, the quarter-final against the Netherlands, the Last-16 tie with Australia, and two group games.

Unique achievement on the field

These shirts hold immense value as Messi became the first player ever to score in the group stage, Last 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals, and final of a single World Cup tournament.

Proceeds donated to children in need

While the shirts didn't break any auction records, a significant portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Unicas Project, led by Sant Joan de Deu Barcelona Children's Hospital in collaboration with the Leo Messi Foundation. The project aims to support children suffering from rare diseases.

A stellar performance on the field

During the World Cup, Messi scored a total of seven goals and provided three assists in seven matches. Two of his goals came in the final, including his spot-kick.