Giovanni Cerra predicts Messi shirts will surge in value at World Cup

Football memorabilia specialist Giovanni Cerra warns that shirts from the current World Cup are poised to become the most sought‑after items, as Catawiki reports a 50 % rise in demand compared with the same period last year. He highlights Lionel Messi, noting that if this proves to be Messi’s last World Cup, every shirt he wears could instantly acquire historic value.

The platform also recorded a 60 % surge in football memorabilia listings ahead of the Qatar World Cup and a 50 % increase before Euro 2024. These spikes illustrate a pattern of heightened collector interest whenever a major tournament approaches.

Cerra explains that shirts of players such as Lionel Messi, Diego Maradona and Pelé have traditionally fetched the highest prices on the market. He argues that the narrative attached to a shirt, especially a decisive performance or a final appearance, amplifies its appeal to collectors.

The expert also points to emerging talents like Lamine Yamal, whose first World Cup could mark the start of a decade‑long shirt legacy. Desiree Doué, a 21‑year‑old French forward, and Endrick, a 19‑year‑old Brazilian prodigy, are cited as additional prospects whose early jerseys may appreciate if their teams secure major trophies. Cerra suggests that a generation‑icon status will drive future demand.

According to Cerra, Belgium’s away kit stands out because Adidas frequently experiments with its design, increasing the chance of an iconic look. He adds that the home shirt of Mexico, the away shirts of Ivory Coast, Curaçao, Argentina and France, as well as the away kits of Chile, Jamaica and Costa Rica, are praised for their style. Catawiki notes that vintage 1990s jerseys from Umbro, Kappa and Puma attract both collectors and fashion enthusiasts.