Authentic Messi signed memorabilia is very hard to find and often expensive. Find out why it’s so difficult to acquire, and how Join The Planet offers a far more accessible option for fans who wish to own a signed piece of Messi’s legacy.
Lionel Messi has fans all over the world — and trying to figure out how many is still dizzying. With over 500 million Instagram followers — more than the entire population of South America — his globe-spanning appeal is incalculable. If just a tiny percentage of these fans were to seek out signed memorabilia, it’d be a massive market.
It effectively is. Whether it's a signed jersey, a pair of boots, or even a simple autograph, the demand for Messi-signed memorabilia is huge. Even so, finding authentic, signed items by Messi is very difficult unless you turn to an official effort like Join The Planet. Here's why.
The scarcity of authentic Messi signed memorabilia
To find Messi-signed memorabilia, fans need to know where to look for them — and still be prepared to hustle for them. Many of the most sought-after pieces are incredibly scarce and are available only in select locations or through specific channels. And, yes — most Messi-signed items are very expensive.
For instance, Icons.com, a well-known site for sports memorabilia, offers signed Messi jerseys, photos, and even official World Cup balls. These items, while guaranteed to be authentic, come with a hefty price tag. A signed Argentina jersey, for example, could cost as much as $6,700. Even if you’re willing to spend that much, the shipping times can be unpredictable, especially since Messi’s location is often bound to change due to his busy playing schedule.
Another challenge is availability. Many items on Icons.com are part of limited runs, which makes them hard to get hold of if you’re not quick enough. Similarly, Sports Memorabilia, another site that offers hand-signed Messi items, provides certifiable proof of authenticity, but the rarity of some items means they typically go for thousands of dollars at auctions. A 2004 Panini rookie card of Messi in a Barcelona jersey, for instance, is a collector's dream—or nightmare, considering it’s incredibly hard to find and can cost more than $2,000.
There’s one more reason for the scarcity of Messi-signed items, and this is his commitment to charitable work. Messi generally prefers donating signed memorabilia to charity rather than selling it through commercial outlets. Many of his charity efforts use his signed items to raise money for good causes instead of being available for private purchase.
Limited physical locations
If you're thinking of purchasing Messi memorabilia in person, your options are even more limited. In Barcelona, the FCBotiga Megastore at Camp Nou offers a big selection of Messi memorabilia, but this store is not accessible to everyone, especially now with the ongoing construction work at the stadium. And even if you manage to visit, you might find that the most desirable Messi items are either sold out or priced beyond what most fans can afford.
In Miami Beach, there's the Messi x Adidas pop-up museum store, where you can find signed Inter Miami jerseys and other exclusive items. But again, the exclusivity of these items means they are often in short supply and only available to those who can physically visit the store. Not everyone can make the trip to Miami, and even fewer can afford the premium prices.
In Argentina, you can shop around stores in Rosario or Buenos Aires for a variety of Messi souvenirs, but don’t expect stores to be focused only on Messi. While you can find items from his time with the Argentinian national team, most items are not signed or as exclusive as those found elsewhere.
Online marketplaces are risky and pricey
For those who can't travel, online marketplaces like Etsy offer Messi memorabilia and trinkets, but there's a catch. Most items on Etsy are fan-made, not officially licensed or authenticated. While these items can be unique and affordable, they are not true collectibles in the sense of being officially signed or endorsed by Messi. Yet, for fans on a tight budget, these can still be fun and symbolic keepsakes.
Apart from the usual sources, there’s a new wave of interest in collector groups on social media platforms like Facebook. These niche communities sometimes offer rare Messi memorabilia that’s not available through traditional channels. These groups can be useful for fans who want to find Messi's signed things, but it might be hard to make sure they are actually genuine.
Source: fcbarcelona.com
On the other hand, there are more legitimate online stores that provide authentic memorabilia, but often at a higher price point. The Barça Official Online Store, for example, offers a limited selection of signed and framed photos and jerseys, but the prices reflect their official status. Expect to pay around $2,000 for a signed photo, with the more unique items going for even higher prices.
Auctions and exclusive releases
For those looking for truly rare items, auctions are another route. But these come with their own set of challenges. High-profile auctions, like those organized by Sotheby's, often feature incredibly rare items, such as the set of six shirts Messi wore during the 2022 World Cup. These shirts were sold for $7.8 million, which makes them completely inaccessible to the average fan.
Source: apnews.com
Even less extravagant examples, like the official UEFA Champions League balls signed by Messi and sold through specialty sites, are difficult to get hands on. With limited stock and prices starting at $2,000, these items are unreachable to most collectors.
Why Join The Planet means easy-to-purchase signed memorabilia
It’s no surprise many fans are left feeling frustrated because it’s so hard to get authentic, signed Messi memorabilia. That’s where Join The Planet comes in.
Join The Planet offers a unique opportunity for Messi fans to own a piece of his legacy without the typical barriers to entry. The Leo Messi collectible boot, for example, is not only signed by Messi but also part of a wider effort to protect the environment. Made from recycled ocean plastics and available with a blockchain-based certificate of authenticity, this collectible is both affordable and accessible (especially when compared to the thousands of dollars one might spend on other Messi-signed memorabilia).
Unlike the other options mentioned, which come with either a significant financial investment or a physical journey, the Genesis Edition boot is available online for a really budget-friendly price. So, if you’re looking for Messi-signed memorabilia, look no further than Join The Planet — it’s the most affordable and rewarding way to secure a piece of soccer history.
Get your own signed collectible boot by Leo Messi now.