Lionel Messi is undoubtedly one of the greatest soccer players of all time, and his trading cards have become highly sought after by collectors worldwide. From his early days at Barcelona to his legendary World Cup win with Argentina, Messi’s cards offer a glimpse into the career of a true sporting icon.
For collectors looking to own a piece of Messi’s early career, his rookie cards from the 2004-05 season are a must-have. The most coveted among them is the 2004-05 Panini Mega Cracks card, which commands top dollar, especially in high grades. Another notable rookie card is the 2004-05 Panini Este La Liga Sticker, despite being a sticker, it is highly valued due to its scarcity.
As Messi’s career progressed, his popularity grew, and collectors eagerly sought out his World Cup trading cards. One such card is the 2006 Panini FIFA World Cup Germany card, a significant piece in any Messi collection. This card, from the 2006 World Cup set, has gained popularity over the years.
One of the defining moments in Messi’s career was his debut as a certified autograph signer. In 2013, Icons Limited released the Messi Collection Autographs set, featuring autographed cards and jersey cards. This marked a turning point for collectors, as it was the first time pack-pulled Messi autographs became widely available.
The 2014 Panini Prizm World Cup set is known for its extensive checklist of Messi cards. With 11 different parallel versions, including Refractors, collectors have plenty of options to choose from. Among these options, the 2014 Panini Prizm World Cup Signatures card stands out. It is one of the most sought-after Messi autographs and a key card in the set.
In 2016, Panini released the Flawless set, featuring on-card Lionel Messi autographs. These high-end cards even include match-worn shoe pieces, adding an extra layer of uniqueness. The 2016-17 Panini Noir set is another notable release, offering a range of Messi signature cards with hard-signed autographs, some even signed in gold ink.
Several rare autograph cards stand out in Messi’s collection. The 2017 Panini Revolution Lionel Messi Autograph is extremely rare, limited to 25 copies or less. The 2018 Panini Eminence set takes luxury to another level, featuring extravagant designs, limited runs, and encased cards with diamonds and on-card signatures. The 2018 Panini National Treasures set also deserves attention, showcasing the Colossal insert with a jumbo relic and on-card signature.
As Messi’s career continued, his move to Paris Saint-Germain brought collectors a new wave of autograph cards. The Topps Champions League sets include limited autograph cards featuring Messi with both Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain. The classic Donruss design style is also a favorite among collectors, with multiple years featuring Messi autographs. Additionally, the Panini Select and Leaf brands offer distinctive Messi autograph cards, presenting a variety of options for collectors.
Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting out, Lionel Messi’s trading cards offer a unique opportunity to own a piece of soccer history. His rookie cards and autographed gems capture the essence of his incredible career and his impact on the sport. So, dive into the world of Messi cards and start building your collection today.
