REPLICA WORLD CUP TROPHY LIFTED BY ARGENTINA'S CHAMPIONS GOES UNDER THE HAMMER
- The replica passed from player to player in Lusail, and kissed by Lionel Messi, will headline Richmond Auctions' inaugural Sports Memorabilia Auction on 7 November -
LONDON, Oct. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The replica trophy carried down from the stands and onto the field ended up in Lionel Messi's hands. Now the replica trophy at the center of some of the most iconic images in football history and which was exhibited at the National Historical Museum of Buenos Aires will headline Richmond Auctions' inaugural Sports Memorabilia Auction on 7 November 2026.
On 18 December 2022, Lusail Stadium in Qatar staged what many still call the greatest final ever played. Messi scored twice, Kylian Mbappé hit a hat-trick, and after a 3-3 draw Gonzalo Montiel's penalty sealed a 4-2 shootout win and Argentina's first world title in 36 years.
As the celebrations rolled on long after the final whistle, the replica made its way from the stands into the players' hands and was passed from champion to champion for 45 minutes during their on-pitch celebrations. It went on to star in many of the most widely shared images from that night, including Messi lifting and kissing it - a picture that, nearly four years on, remains the most liked in Instagram's history (with the replica trophy featuring first in the carousel of images).
Before the night was over, the replica was also signed by eight members of the victorious squad, with the item's proof of provenance referencing players including Lautaro Martínez, Leandro Paredes, Guido Rodríguez and Ángel Di María, who scored Argentina's second goal in the final.
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. To launch our first Sports Memorabilia Auction with a piece carrying that kind of history is a real privilege, and we expect strong interest from football collectors all over the world."
The auction will take place on Saturday 7 November 2026 at 4:00pm GMT (11:00am ET).
Alongside the replica, included in the same lot will be a 2022 Panini Instant Lionel Messi #118 FIFA World Cup Qatar/PSA 10 GEM MINT, creating a unique connection between the collectible card and the moment it commemorates. The card captures Lionel Messi celebrating Argentina's victory over France, holding the replica World Cup trophy, and represents a long-awaited milestone in his legendary career.
The sale itself features a further 363 lots, from rare trading cards to signed memorabilia spanning basketball, baseball and American football. Other highlights include a 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle, one of the most sought-after cards in the hobby, and a Michael Jordan autograph card from Upper Deck's 2001-02 Buybacks set, numbered 1 of just 10.
Richmond Auctions is a US-based auction house specialising in rare, investment-grade advertising and automotive collectibles. The November sale marks its first move into dedicated sports memorabilia.
To view the replica and register to bid, visit richmondauctions.com.
Notes to editors
- Auction details: Richmond Auctions Sports Memorabilia Auction, Saturday 7 November 2026, 4:00pm GMT / 11:00am ET. 364 lots in total (the hero lot plus 363 further lots). Viewing and bidder registration at richmondauctions.com.
- About the trophy: The trophy is an independently made replica. Neither Richmond Auctions nor the auction is affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by the tournament organisers, any football governing body, or any of the players referenced in this release.
- Trading cards: Other items that will feature alongside the trophy include:
- 1916 M101-4 Gimbels "Shoeless" Joe Jackson #87, graded SGC 6
- 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle #311, graded SGC 4.5
- 2001-02 Upper Deck Michael Jordan Buybacks autograph, numbered 1/10, graded BGS 9.5 with a 9 autograph
- 2013 Bowman Chrome Draft Pick Autographs Blue Wave Refractor Aaron Judge, numbered to 50, graded BGS 9.5
- 2020 Panini Contenders Championship Ticket Joe Burrow rookie autograph, numbered to 49, graded PSA 10
- Images: Photography of the replica trophy and its signatures is available on request. Richmond Auctions does not hold rights to, and cannot supply, photography from the 2022 on-pitch celebrations.
- About Richmond Auctions: Richmond Auctions is a US-based auction house, founded by Jordan Richmond and Mike McCandless. The company is internationally recognised for high-end advertising memorabilia, automobilia and petroliana. Its November 2026 sale is the house's first dedicated Sports Memorabilia Auction.
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