Let’s take a look at the best Lionel Messi cards ever.
Lionel Messi has an army of fans that would go to war if you were to suggest he was anything other than the GOAT.
A player with a pull so strong that some international Barca fans jumped ship to join him at PSG, and later Inter Miami, his collectible cards are always going to be of interest to the average investor.
His rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo drove both to change the landscape of the sport. They are now two of the most decorated football players of all-time, and some of the biggest legends of the sport.
Here’s everything you need to know about the best Lionel Messi cards, including a rookie guide and investment advice.
The Best Lionel Messi Cards
A mix of rookie cards and more recent signed options make it onto the list of the best Lionel Messi cards.
Considering the age and value of the average Messi card, we’d stick with signed options from the likes of PSA and BGS whenever possible when looking at the Argentinian legend.
5. 2004-05 Panini Mega Cracks Barca Campeón / Campió Lionel Messi #35, #62, #89 (eBay)
We’ll start with a great Lionel Messi RC, released way back in 2004. The Barca Campeón / Campió set has a Spanish version (Campeón) and a Catalan version (Campió).
That means that there are two editions of each card. There are three featuring the forward found in the set. (Numbered #35, #62 and #89.)
Either edition of the #89 card is typically preferred thanks to the addition of a facsimile autograph and a great action shot as he dribbles downfield.
It’s a solid addition to any collection, although prices have continued to rise each year for graded versions.
4. 2004-05 Panini Colecciones Este La Liga Stickers Lionel Messi RC #288 (eBay)
Often disregarded in favor of cardboard RCs, the Panini Este sticker is one of the rarest first-year options to feature the attacker.
It has an action shot and a profile photo of Messi on the front. It features his surname found at the base of the sticker.
The majority have long since been damaged or peeled, which is why higher grades will sell for significant amounts.
Once again, we think they’re likely to keep rising as he inches closer to retirement. It also flies under the radar when compared to the Mega Cracks found below.
3. 2006 Panini World Cup Germany Lionel Messi RC #47 (eBay)
Most talented soccer players will also have an international RC, showing them in the colours of their country for the first time.
Messi is no exception, with collectors particularly fond of his card found in the 2006 Panini World Cup set. They lost to Germany in the quarterfinals, as the hosts edged out the Argentinians 4–2 on penalties.
Regardless, the player is as famous in blue and white as he is in red and blue.
Messi finally ticked the last empty box in his glittering career in 2021, leading Argentina past hosts Brazil. They won 1-0 in the final of the Copa América in Rio de Janeiro.
The win with Argentina makes his international RC even more valuable in the long run.
2. 2016 Panini Noir Country Signatures Lionel Messi #53 (eBay)
A card which breaks up the monotony of the Messi RCs seen so far, the 2016 Panini Noir set has a range of international themed signatures from the biggest stars of the mid 2010s.
With a base card limited to just 40 copies, the Club Signatures is one of the rarest Messi autos around. There’s also a platinum parallel limited to just 10 copies.
It shows the player at the height of his powers, and he’s decked out in the Argentina away kit.
We think that his international cards have great potential as investment pieces, even if he’s more memorable in a Barca kit.
1. 2004 Panini Sports Mega Cracks Lionel Messi RC #71 (eBay)
The 2004 Panini Sports Mega Cracks Messi RC is iconic, and deserving of the top spot on the list.
Take the action shot, which sees the player with the ball seemingly glued to his foot. (He was still turning out for Barca B at the time, which is why he’s wrapped in a vintage kit.)
Then there’s the sheer value, as it’s the most expensive Messi card by some distance when looking at graded versions.
It’s my personal pick of the Messi RCs, and it’s also favoured by many collectors and investors. Expect to pay major money for the Panini Megacracks RC of the all-time great, and multiple Ballon D’Or winner.
Lionel Messi Cards: Buyers Guide
Messi cards are tough to gauge, especially as they tend to amass so many bids when they come up at auction.
It’s unlikely that you’ll grab one for a steal. Market rates are reasonably high at the moment.
The best cheap Messi cards are still going to be slabbed, unless you’re looking at one of the RCs. (And it’s a trusted source.)
Given the age of his rookie cards we’d be wary, while more recent parallels should hold up well in the future.
Any graded Messi card is likely to be worth more in a decade or so. However, some have more potential to multiply in price than others.
His RCs came out a long time ago, and there aren’t as many copies as you might have expected. He’s also pictured in a Barca kit for the 2004 options, which is a nostalgic bonus given Messi’s recent transfer.
As such, we’d stick with any of the Mega Cracks cards, or even the Panini Este sticker given it’s rarity. There are just 10 gem mint copies graded by PSA at the current time of writing, and 36 that have earned a PSA 9 grade.
The Iconic Legacy of Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi’s rookie cards hold a special place in the hearts of collectors and football fans around the globe.
Messi’s rookie cards are highly coveted for several reasons. First and foremost, his unparalleled talent and mesmerizing playing style have made him a true icon of the game. With his dribbling wizardry, precise passing, and goal-scoring prowess, Messi has captured the imagination of football enthusiasts and inspired a new generation of players.
Moreover, Messi’s consistent success at both the club and international levels adds to the allure of his rookie cards. With numerous league titles, Champions League triumphs, and individual accolades, he has proven himself as a force to be reckoned with in the football world. Collectors value his cards as a representation of his unrivaled achievements and a tribute to his legacy. Keep an eye on card sales if you’re interested in Lionel Messi rookie card values.
Lionel Messi Rookie Cards: Buying/Selling Advice
The move to France has reminded everyone that the demi-god is part human, and his career will end someday. We’d hold onto any Messi cards you have, even if the market is beginning to hot up following his exit from PSG.
As with any GOAT contender, prices are likely to rise after his retirement, and he has to be seen as one of the most reliable investments within the hobby today. The same goes for autograph cards, or any limited-edition cards featuring Messi. They’re always going to be popular with soccer fans, especially if the cards are in pristine condition.
Look to icons like Michael Jordan and his RC’s for a potential comparison down the line, especially if soccer continues to gain more attention in the U.S. where the majority of collectors are located.
We’re snagging as many Lionel Messi rookie cards as we can in the meantime.
There’s a large chance that he will win more trophies at Inter Miami, and it’s worth keeping an eye on their progress this season. Every medal and accolade will add to his legacy. He’s won it all with his national team, and is a legend in terms of football card collecting. Whether it’s Spanish cards, or valuable rookie cards, they’re worth sending off for card grading.
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