On December 18, 2022, Lionel Messi established himself as the most decorated footballer since Pelé and the greatest player this century. It was the 2022 FIFA World Cup Final in Qatar, and the 5’ 7” wizard had guided his native Argentina all the way through the group stage and knockout rounds. Standing in the way of La Albiceleste hoisting the trophy was Leo’s then-PSG teammate Kylian Mbappé and a loaded France squad looking to repeat as champions. On the biggest stage, Messi delivered a performance for the ages, scoring twice in a thrilling Argentina victory secured on penalties (4-2) after two wild extra-time periods left the match nodded at three. Messi calmly converted his PK to add to his brace and cap off a storybook National Team career [unless he plays in the 2026 WC]. Leo tallied seven goals in the tournament and became the first to score in every World Cup round since the current format was introduced in 1986. Ironically, that was the last time Argentina had won the World Cup.

Presented here is an official Lionel Messi Argentina match jersey issued by the National Team for him to wear in that epic 2022 World Cup Final. It is accompanied by a 2022 FIFA World Cup Champion’s medal issued to a staff member of the Argentina National Team. The classic white and light blue striped jersey has the AFA [Argentine Football Association] crest and two gold stars (representing the nation’s two previous World Cup titles) embossed on the left chest. The match details – “France 18 December 2022 Lusail Stadium” – appear on the center of the chest in small black font, with the Adidas logo on the right chest. Messi’s iconic No. “10” appears on the front and larger on the reverse, with “MESSI” straight across the upper back all in black in the team’s custom font. On the right sleeve is the official “FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022” patch and on the left sleeve is FIFA’s “Football Unites the World” patch. A gold patch of the Sol de Mayo [Sun of May] – Argentina’s national emblem that appears on its country flag – is embossed on the upper back. The collar, shoulders, sleeve ends, sides, and back hem are all trimmed in black.

A triangular “Adidas Authentic 2022” label appears on the front right tail, with a globe symbol and “HEAT. RDY” on the front left tail. All letters, numbers and patches are properly pressed onto the breathable fabric of the light-weight pullover shirt. Accurate wash instructions tags indicating 100% polyester and “Made in Argentina” in English, Spanish and Portuguese are found inside the front left tail. The Adidas manufacturer’s label inside the collar is very important to distinguish this shirt from a retail store model or replica. The medium size (“M”) matches the documented size worn by Messi during the 2022 World Cup. “Hecho en Argentina [Made in Argentina]” is a critical identifier along with, more specifically, the order in which each country’s size is listed – “ARG M” must be mentioned first followed by the others in the second row. In summary, the overall style, cut, colors, font, and tagging are all matches to Argentina 2022 World Cup home jerseys, and most importantly, to Lionel Messi himself. Getty image 1446506551 shows one of Messi’s game jerseys hanging at his locker prior to Argentina’s Round of 16 match. The size “M” within the collar tagging is clearly visible and you can barely make out the “ARG M” leading off the second row as well.

As for the gold winner’s medal, it comes attached to a long red ribbon with the “FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022” legend screen-printed on the fabric. The obverse of the medal has “FIFA WORLD CUP QATAR 2022” in raised relief above the World Cup trophy. The reverse reads “WORLD CHAMPION” on top with an artistic rendition of a soccer ball at center, and the 2022 Qatar legend at the bottom. Altogether it weighs 146 grams with a diameter of 70 mm and thickness of 5.5 mm. Condition is NM-MT and it comes in a small black silk presentation pouch labeled with the 2022 Qatar legend.

In 2004 at the age of 17, Messi was called up to FC Barcelona’s senior team to compete against the world's best in La Liga. Until joining PSG in 2021, the Argentine striker had spent his entire club career with Barca and won a record 34 trophies. His 672 goals with FCB are the most ever for one club and his 112 international goals (and counting) are the most ever by a South American, surpassing both Pelé and Maradona. Leo has won every individual award under the sun including a record seven Ballon d'Or trophies. After leading his beloved Argentina National Team to the 2022 World Cup and two Copa América titles (2021 and ’24), Messi can rightfully stake his claim as football’s G.O.A.T. The 2024 World Cup Final will long be remembered as one of, if not, the greatest soccer match ever played. This shirt and medal represent Leo’s crowning achievement to finally deliver a World Championship for his beloved Argentina.

Both items were sourced by our consignor from an AFA staff member who requests anonymity. The jersey comes with full authentication paperwork from MEARS. We were told confidentially that only five Argentina jerseys were issued by the team to Messi for the Final. Photos show that he wore a different shirt each half, which would leave three remaining with the team kit manager. One of these was sold in our 2023 Spring Auction for $30,343.

It should be noted that, shortly after the match ended, each Argentinian player was handed a similar looking a postgame victory celebration shirt to be worn during the trophy presentation and for team photo opps. The most obvious difference is the gold FIFA shield logo above the front No. 10 instead of the opponent, date, and site.