Lionel Messi's match-worn shirt vs Angers sells at auction for record fee

Lionel Messi’s match-worn shirt from Paris Saint Germain’s Ligue 1 clash against Angers has been sold for a record fee at an auction.

Messi returned to action for PSG for the first time since inspiring Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar.

The Argentina legend starred on his return as he was involved in his side’s first goal, before netting in the second half to seal a 2-0 victory.

According to French news outlet Le Parisien, Messi’s match-worn shirt was later sold at an auction for a record-breaking €43,623.

The shirt worn by Messi was a part of 18 match-worn shirts for sale and a Chinese bidder managed to get their hands on Messi’s number 30 jersey.

It was reported that the bidder started at €22,000 and won the shirt with their seventh bid.

Apart from Messi, shirts worn by the likes of Neymar and Kylian Mbappe from PSG’s matches against Lens and Strasbourg were also made available for purchase.

Neymar and Mbappe are both mega stars but their shirts’ sale prices were way below Messi’s.

Brazil star Neymar’s shirt went for €7,894 whilst Mbappe’s was sold for €14,083 and €15,017 on separate occasions.

It was announced back in November that PSG will give fans the chance to bid for players’ match-worn shirts, with part of the auction proceeds donated to charitable courses.

Alamy

The club’s chief brand officer Fabien Allegre said: “The jersey is the ultimate symbol of the love fans have for their team and its players. For each of us, it is a symbol of pride, passion and hope.

“With this new initiative, the club offers an opportunity to all its supporters to acquire a truly unique item packed with emotion and an even closer connection with their favourite players.”

PSG are back in action next week when they travel to the Middle East to face the Al Nassr and Al Hilal All-Stars team.

The much-anticipated match-up will see Al Nassr’s new signing Cristiano Ronaldo line up against Messi again.