Messi’s Rookie Card Shatters Records With $1.5 Million Sale

A 2004-05 Panini Mega Cracks rookie card of Lionel Messi fetched a record-breaking $1.5 million in a private sale facilitated by Fanatics Collect. The card, graded a perfect 10 by the Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA), is now the most expensive soccer card ever sold, surpassing the previous record of $1.33 million set for a 1958 Alifabolaget Pele card in 2022.

The remarkable transaction underscores the growing value and popularity of sports memorabilia. The sale occurred just days after Goldin Auctions reported a private sale of another Messi rookie card, also graded a 10, for $1.1 million. These transactions highlight the robust demand for high-end sports cards, particularly those associated with iconic athletes.

Fanatics Collect’s private sales network, which aims to connect elite buyers with exclusive card listings, has been operational for only a short time. The platform caters exclusively to transactions valued at $10,000 or more. In its inaugural month, August 2023, the network generated $8 million across approximately 30 to 40 sales.

According to PSA’s population report, there are 838 graded copies of the No. 71 Messi card from this series, with only 20 receiving the coveted Gem-Mint 10 designation. The $1.5 million card includes a Mike Baker Authenticated Diamond certification, a highly regarded indicator of condition in the collecting community, further elevating its status.

The surge in prices for sports cards has been fueled by a combination of nostalgia and investment potential, as collectors increasingly view these items as viable assets. With Messi continuing to capture the public’s imagination, both on and off the field, this sale is a testament to his enduring legacy and the vibrant market for sports collectibles.

As the world of sports memorabilia continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how future sales measure up to this historic transaction.