A replica of the FIFA World Cup trophy that found its way into the hands of Argentine star Lionel Messi during the historic 2022 championship celebrations is heading to public auction. The item, which features prominently in iconic images and social media posts from Argentina’s victory, is managed by Richmond Auctions and goes up for bidding on November 7.
During the December 18, 2022, final at Lusail Stadium in Qatar, where Argentina defeated France, Messi was famously photographed hoisting what millions assumed was the official winner’s trophy. However, the genuine FIFA trophy is quickly returned to officials after a brief presentation, leaving players to celebrate with authorized replicas or, in this case, a unique fan-commissioned piece.
Jordan Richmond, founder of Richmond Auctions, explained that establishing the authenticity and journey of the specific replica involved an exhaustive verification process. The consignor, an Argentine native, had originally purchased the replica for personal display and brought it into the stands. According to Richmond, a player spotted the item from the field, approached with security, and borrowed it for the team’s celebrations.
The item was passed among players across the field for roughly 45 minutes to an hour, touching the hands of nearly the entire squad. Graphic artists and auction researchers utilized extensive video footage and photographic evidence—including video captured by the consignor in the front row showing the replica leaving the stands and entering the field—to match minute details against the famous celebration photographs.
Among the images linked to the replica is the photograph featured in Messi’s Instagram profile and the historic social media post that drew over 74 million views, making it one of the most-liked platform posts of all time.
Bidding ahead of the official auction launch opened at $110,000, but auction organizers have declined to establish a formal estimate or valuation cap. Given the extraordinary market for high-tier memorabilia linked to the Argentine star—such as a series of match-worn jerseys that previously commanded millions of dollars—auctioneers anticipate robust interest while leaving the final market ceiling completely open.
