Messi Jersey Fetches Over $66,000 at Auction, Dwarfing Ronaldo Shirt Price
A rare piece of football history has highlighted the enduring allure of Lionel Messi’s legacy, with a match-worn Barcelona shirt selling for more than six times the price of a Cristiano Ronaldo jersey from the same private collection.
The auction, titled "The Rod Thornley Collection" and hosted by MatchWornShirt, featured a variety of high-profile memorabilia gathered by the former Manchester United masseur during his long tenure behind the scenes at Old Trafford. Among the star-studded catalog, it was the Argentine maestro’s 2012 Barcelona jersey that stole the show, fetching a staggering £48,608 ($66,107).
In contrast, a match-issued Cristiano Ronaldo Real Madrid shirt from the 2014-15 season sold for £7,795 ($10,601). While the Ronaldo item was prepared for a match, it was not worn by the superstar during competitive play, whereas the Messi shirt carried the unique provenance of being worn by the player during a 0-0 pre-season friendly against Manchester United in August 2012.
A Personal Connection
The story behind how the Messi shirt ended up in Thornley’s possession is as captivating as the sale price. Understanding the rarity of such a souvenir, Thornley—who worked as a masseur for years alongside legends of the game—reached out to former Barcelona defender Gerard Piqué before the friendly match.
"I messaged Gerard Pique a couple of days before the game and said, ‘I never ask you for anything, but I need Messi’s shirt from this one,’" Thornley recalled.
The plan succeeded. After the final whistle, Piqué escorted Thornley directly into the Barcelona dressing room. "Messi still had the shirt on his back," Thornley said. "He took it off, signed it to me while I sat there with him, and shook my hand. It was incredible."
Manchester United Icons Included
Beyond the Messi-Ronaldo rivalry, the collection offered a deep dive into the history of Manchester United. A blue third-kit jersey worn by Ryan Giggs during a 4-0 Champions League victory against Olympiacos in 2002 secured $10,103.
The auction also included pieces associated with other members of the famous "Class of 92," including Paul Scholes, David Beckham, Nicky Butt, and Gary Neville. However, none of these legendary items could approach the record-breaking final bid for the Messi shirt.
The significant price disparity has sparked fresh debate among collectors regarding the current market value of Lionel Messi versus his long-time rival. While both athletes remain the most recognizable faces in the sport, the auction results suggest that for many enthusiasts, the opportunity to own a tangible piece of Messi’s Barcelona era remains the ultimate prize in modern football memorabilia.
