Messi's rookie card sets record with $1.5M sale

Messi's Panini Mega Cracks 2004-2005 rookie card sold for a record-breaking $1.5 million through the Fanatics Collect sales network on Sept. 13, with the Acquir trading platform representing the seller. The card received a perfect grade of 10 from the Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA), ESPN reported.

This sale surpassed the previous record of $1.33 million set by the Alifabolaget Pele 1958 card, which was traded in 2022. Not long before that, another version of the card also fetched a record price of $1.1 million.

Lionel Messi Panini Mega Cracks 2004-2005 rookie card was sold for $1.5 million. Photo courtesy of Goldin

Panini, an Italian company known for producing player cards since the 1970 World Cup, typically features player photos, statistics and signatures on their cards. Collecting football cards has become a popular hobby among fans.

The number of cards in each box depends on the collection, the year of release, and the type of product (large box, small box or individual pack). For example, on Panini's sales page for English fans, the Premier League Top Class 2025 - Blaster Box card box includes 56 cards, priced around $27.

Messi, 38, began his football career in the 2004-2005 season at Barcelona. After 20 years in the sport, he has become one of the most decorated players in history, winning the 2022 World Cup, two Copa Americas, the Finalissima, an Olympic gold medal, the U20 World Cup, four Champions League titles, 10 La Liga trophies, a record two World Cup Golden Balls and six European Golden Boots.