Last jersey Messi wore before joining Barcelona up for auction

By Dean Murray

The last shirt worn by Lionel Messi in an official match before his transfer to FC Barcelona could fetch £100k at auction.

The player donned the jersey in 1999 with Newell's Old Boys during the final of the Pibes 99 tournament.

Auctioneers Bonhams Cornette de Saint Cyr said: "This shirt was given by Messi himself following a 1999 youth league match between Newell's Old Boys and General Paz Juniors.

"This shirt, worn during the Pibes 99 final where Argentina finished second in December 1999, holds special significance as it is the last shirt Messi wore in an official match for Argentina before his move to Barcelona.

"It marks the end of his time with the Argentine youth teams before his professional career took off at the Catalan club."

The shirt is estimated to fetch €80k - €120k (£67k - £100k) in the Paris sale.

Messi began his football career in his hometown of Rosario, Argentina, showing exceptional talent from a very young age. He played for the youth team of Newell’s Old Boys before joining FC Barcelona at the age of 13.

He achieved tremendous success during his 17 seasons at Barcelona, later continuing his career at Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Miami.