If you want to authenticate your Messi signature, you can start with this comprehensive guide. By the end of it, you’ll know the best way to have a real Messi signature.
Owning a Messi signature is hard — and knowing for certain it’s verified is even harder. Signed items can be tricky to identify, yes, but still, knowing how to verify an authentic autograph is a must if you want to get into this niche.
Do you remember the story of Operation Bullpen? This case serves as a sobering reminder of the extensive fraud that once plagued the memorabilia market. In the 1990s, a nationwide network was uncovered that specialized in forging and distributing fake autographs of famous athletes, including iconic figures like Michael Jordan. The scale of the scam was massive — it's believed that over half of the top autographed items out there could have been fakes.
Luckily, there are some safe and easy ways to verify the authenticity of your Messi signed jersey or item. What's more, there are signed Messi memorabilia that come with a certificate of authenticity with their purchase, including the Join The Planet Collectible boot. In this guide, we'll tell you everything you need to know about how to verify a Messi autograph.
Familiarize yourself with Messi's signature
While professional authentication is always a good idea, you can take some initial steps to check out a signature yourself. Compare it to photos of the athlete's signature, look for unique details, and be wary of signatures on pre-printed items. If the signature seems out of place on the item or looks too perfect, it might be a fake.
What does Messi’s signature look like?
Messi's signature has a pretty distinctive style. It starts with a fancy, elongated cursive "L" representing his first name, Lionel. Right beneath this, you'll notice his nickname, "LEO", written in capital letters. Check it out:
Remember: checking the signature by yourself is always a good initial step. But, to be sure a signature is real, it needs to be verified by a trusted expert. They check the signature, the item it's on, and any paperwork that comes with it. A special certificate called a Certificate of Authenticity (COA) from a reliable source or a blockchain-based digital certificate makes your item worth more and proves it's genuine.
Rely on a trusted organization that has Messi as an ambassador
One way to guarantee a genuine Messi signature is by purchasing an item directly from a trusted organization that has a partnership with the legendary footballer himself. This significantly reduces the risk of having to deal with a fake autograph.
Join The Planet is a great example of this. Our organization offers a unique opportunity to own a piece of Messi memorabilia with a truly authentic signature. The collectible is a replica of Messi’s left boot that features Messi's autograph alongside a stunning design, making it a collector’s bucket list item. What’s more, the price is incredibly accessible in comparison with Messi signed memorabilia that’s usually above $1,000 USD.
Go with a Messi merch partner
Another possible route to explore is to buy signed memorabilia from companies officially licensed to sell Messi merchandise. These companies typically have stricter quality control measures in place, making forgeries extremely unlikely.
One example is Icons.com, a company officially licensed to sell Messi-branded products. They might offer signed jerseys, photos, or other items like a Lionel Messi autographed ball. However, it is important to keep in mind that these might be significantly more expensive than standalone signatures due to the additional value of the merchandise itself.
Refer to auction sites
Auction sites can be a tempting place to find Messi memorabilia, including signed items. But buyers, be very cautious! The risk of running into forged autographs is significantly higher on these platforms. High-profile cases of forgery involving celebrities like Michael Jackson and Cristiano Ronaldo serve as ominous cautionary tales of the pitfalls of purchasing autographs without proper verification.
Source: hotnewhiphop.com
If you decide to explore auction sites, carry on with extreme caution. Always request a Certificate of Authenticity (COA) from a reputable third-party authenticator. Be wary of sellers who cannot provide this documentation or who offer suspiciously low prices.
Remember, the thrill of finding a potential treasure on an auction site can be overshadowed by the disappointment of discovering a fake. Do your homework before buying, or rely on a trusted organization that has Messi as an ambassador.
Consider professional authentication
The gold standard for verifying a Messi signature lies with professional authentication services. These companies have a team of experts who carefully check signatures against known examples and use different techniques to find forgeries. If the signature is genuine, the companies will give you a proof of authenticity.
Here are some of the biggest names in sports memorabilia authentication:
- Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA)
- James Spence Authentication (JSA)
- Beckett Authentication Services (BAS)
Yes, the authentication process typically comes with an expensive fee. You can consider it an investment in peace of mind and the value of your prized possession. Additionally, some services like PSA offer “Quick Opinion” options where you can submit a high-quality image of the signature for a preliminary assessment before signing up for full authentication.
Source: icons.com
Still, if the price of the signed memorabilia plus the fee of the authentication service is too much for you, there’s always the alternative of the Join The Planet collectible that comes with a digital blockchain-based certificate of authenticity.
The best way to get a guaranteed authentic Messi signature is with Join The Planet
We've looked into a couple of methods for verifying a Messi signature, each with its own pros and cons. But what if you want the ultimate peace of mind of a guaranteed authentic autograph without breaking the bank? That's where the Join The Planet Genesis edition boot comes in.
This price point is significantly more convenient compared to other Messi-signed items, which often run well over $1,000 USD.
Here's why Join The Planet is your best bet:
- Guaranteed authenticity: The Collectible boot features a digital blockchain-based certificate of authenticity, guaranteeing your signature is 100% genuine.
- Direct from a trusted source: We have a partnership with Messi himself, getting rid of the risks associated with third-party sellers and forgeries.
- Collectible value: The boot's elegant design paired with Messi's autograph makes it a true collector's target.
Ready to claim your piece of Messi history? Head over to the Join The Planet website to learn more about the collectible boot and grab yours before they're sold out.