Replica World Cup trophy carried and kissed by Messi in 2022 final goes to auction

The replica FIFA World Cup trophy that Lionel Messi lifted and kissed on the pitch in Lusail after Argentina’s 2022 final victory over France is set to go under the hammer at Richmond Auctions on 7 November 2026, offering collectors a direct physical link to one of football’s most iconic nights.

The piece will headline the inaugural Sports Memorabilia Auction by the US-based house, which describes it as the centrepiece of a 364-lot sale. Unlike the official solid-gold trophy that remains in FIFA’s custody, this replica began as a supporter’s tribute before finding its way onto the pitch during the post-match celebrations, where it was passed between Argentina’s players for roughly 45 minutes.

Messi carried the replica out for the trophy presentation and was photographed lifting and kissing it — an image that, nearly four years later, remains the most-liked post in Instagram’s history. The item’s provenance documentation references eight squad members who signed it during the celebrations, among them Lautaro Martínez, Leandro Paredes, Guido Rodríguez, and Ángel Di María, who scored Argentina’s second goal in the final.

The context of that final adds to the piece’s significance. Messi scored twice as Argentina came from behind to draw 3-3 after extra time, with Kylian Mbappé completing a hat-trick for France, before the Albiceleste claimed the title on penalties to secure the country’s third World Cup.

Jordan Richmond, founder of Richmond Auctions, said: “Some objects tell the story of a sporting moment; very few were physically part of it. This replica started life as one supporter’s tribute and ended up at the heart of one of the greatest nights football has ever seen, passed from player to player and lifted by one of the greatest players of all time.”

Included in the same lot is a 2022 Panini Instant Lionel Messi #118 FIFA World Cup Qatar card graded PSA 10 GEM MINT, which depicts Messi holding the replica trophy during the celebrations. The broader sale features 363 additional lots spanning football, basketball, baseball, and American football memorabilia, including a 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle card and a Michael Jordan autograph card from Upper Deck’s 2001-02 Buybacks set, numbered 1 of 10.

The auction is scheduled for Saturday, 7 November 2026 at 4:00pm GMT.