Want to buy a genuine Messi autographed item? Find out what is an authenticated signature, how to avoid fakes, and where to get certified memorabilia from trusted sources.
Have you tried to buy a Lionel Messi autographed soccer ball or a Messi signed jersey? Plenty of people are contemplating purchasing a collectible item from a sports superstar as well. In fact, in 2023, the global sports memorabilia collectibles market — excluding the multi-billion-dollar sports cards segment — was worth around $16 billion.
Sports memorabilia can be extraordinarily valuable, especially when it comes to items with authentic signatures. But how can you be sure the signature you're getting is the real deal? That’s exactly what we’ll answer in this guide. We'll talk about what makes a signature authentic, the dangers of forgeries, how to ensure you're not spending a fortune on a fake, and where to get a Leo Messi memorabilia with his authenticated signature.
Why authentication matters in sports memorabilia
Picture yourself shelling out a significant amount of money on a signed Messi jersey, only to discover later it's a devious forgery. Unfortunately, this scenario happens more often than you might think. Do you remember the scandal of Operation Bullpen? It was an FBI sting that busted a huge scam in sports and celebrity memorabilia, revealing that a lot of what fans were buying was fake. It cost collectors millions and shook up the whole market. The FBI says it prevented more than $15 million in economic loss — and keep in mind that’s fifteen million from the nineties.
With our without the FBI, the market for sports memorabilia still expands, and with that also comes a significant rise in counterfeits.
Source: sportscollectorsdaily.com
What is an authenticated signature or autograph?
An authenticated signature is one that has been verified by a reputable company as being genuine. This verification process involves examining the signature itself, the item it's on, and any accompanying documentation. A Certificate of Authenticity (COA) issued by a trusted authenticator makes your memorabilia more credible.
Identifying an authentic signature
While professional authentication is highly recommended, there are some initial steps you can take to assess a signature's authenticity:
- Compare it to known examples: Look for high-quality images of the athlete's signature online or in reputable resources. Pay attention to details like loops, angles, and overall flow. Does the signature in question match these characteristics?
- Look for distinctive features: Every autograph has its own quirks. Does the signature have specific swirls or letter shapes consistent with the athlete's known signature?
- Examine the item: Does the signature appear in a logical location, like the sweet spot of a baseball or on the imprinted number of a jersey? Inconsistencies in placement can also raise red flags.
It's smart to check the signature yourself first, but that’s not enough, of course. Just comparing it to a .JPG you found online won't clear up all your doubts. To be sure it's real, get it verified by a trusted expert who looks at the signature, the item, and any paperwork. A Certificate of Authenticity (COA) from a reliable source or blockchain-based digital certificate can add to your item's value and also prove it's genuine. Still, the best way to be safe is to use a trusted provider who works directly with the person who signed it.
What Does Messi’s Signature Look Like? →
Getting your memorabilia authenticated
Since most of us aren't experts at spotting fake signatures, it's smart to go with a trusted provider. If you can't find one, that's when you should rely on the pros. Some top companies for authenticating sports memorabilia are:
- Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA)
- James Spence Authentication (JSA)
- Beckett Authentication Services (BAS)
These companies employ experts who meticulously examine signatures and issue COAs upon verification. The authentication process typically involves a fee, but it's the price to pay for peace of mind. On top of that, some companies, like PSA, offer "Quick Opinion" services where you can submit an item's image for a preliminary inspection before submitting it to a full authentication.
Are autograph authentication firms reliable?
Yes, certain authentication firms, including PSA, JSA, and Beckett — the three we mentioned — are reliable and serious inspectors. PSA was recently challenged by a class action lawsuit because of misleading appraisals, but collectors agree it’s still a trusted provider. Some collectors warn against the similarly named PAAS, and there are rumours about a legal dispute between this firm and the other ones we mentioned because of some unfounded slander. In any case, it’s best to rely on the main, established players — or to run with a provider that actually oversees if the signature is there.
Get an authentic signed Messi’s memorabilia item
At Join The Planet, we are well aware of how difficult and expensive it is to obtain an authentic piece of autographed sports memorabilia — not to mention a Messi autograph. That's why we've created a unique and affordable collectible that replicates Messi's left soccer boot with Leo's authentic signature: The Genesis Edition ornamental boot. With its purchase, you’ll get a blockchain-based digital certificate of authenticity that will save you the tedious work of verifying that it is not a counterfeit.
What's more, the Collectible is made from recycled materials such as discarded fishing nets, ropes, and bottle caps that are collected from oceans around the world, in places like the Patagonia, Indonesia, China, Thailand, and India. These efforts are made possible through the contributions of local communities.
So with your purchase, you're not only getting an authentic, autographed Messi memorabilia boot, but you're also joining forces with Leo in a great humanitarian cause.
Buy this soccer collectible now. You get a Join The Planet collectible boot with Messi's signature on our website.