Lionel Messi, often hailed as one of the greatest soccer players of all time, has had his fair share of jersey swaps over the years. These Messi jersey exchanges transcend the sport, embodying respect, camaraderie, and a shared love for the game. Yet, Messi’s approach to this tradition is as unique as his play on the pitch. Here are some memorable stories surrounding Messi jersey swaps and the iconic collection he’s amassed.
It’s more than a jersey swap; it’s a handshake, a hug, a selfie. Every moment shared with Messi is priceless, not only for fellow players, but also for referees and trainers at the pinnacle of the game. Delve into these cherished interactions in this video:
Where to Order Your Messi jersey
Depending on the team jersey you’re interested in, below are the official links for your purchase:
Messi Inter Miami jersey
Secure his actual pink jersey through the Major League Soccer’s online store. Or seeking the genuine Black 2023 La Noche Authentic Jersey or its replica counterpart? The MLS Store has got your back.
Messi Argentina jersey
Get the official Le Albiceleste jersey adorned with 3 stars at the Adidas online store.
Paris Saint-Germain Official Store
Find Messi shirts and phone cases available at the PSG official store.
Autographed Messi Jersey
Order the special edition 7th Ballon d’Or shirt from the FC Barcelona 19/20 season home kit signed by Messi at €1999, or opt for one from the 13/14 season signed by Messi, Xavi, and Iniesta at €2999.
Acquire the Official Argentina World Cup signed Messi jersey for $2990, personally autographed by Lionel Messi during a private signing event in Paris on April 10th, 2023.
Messi Jersey Swaps: An Emblem of Respect
Jersey swapping is a time-honored tradition dating back to 1931, symbolizing respect and admiration among players after battling it out on the field. Messi, known for his humility and sportsmanship, participates in this ritual, albeit with certain stipulations. He rarely initiates a swap, making those moments particularly noteworthy.
One such instance was in 2005 when Messi, then 18 years old, sought a swap with none other than Real Madrid legend, Zinedine Zidane. The young Argentine broke his usual reserve, showcasing the high esteem he held for Zidane. This one-of-a-kind exchange between budding superstar and established legend remains etched in the annals of soccer lore.
A Collection of Legends
Though Messi doesn’t usually ask for shirts, his willingness to swap jerseys with fellow Argentinians or those who approach him has led to a collection featuring jerseys from a slew of soccer legends. A notable story circulates around an interaction with Atlanta United’s Thiago Almada during a League Cup match, where they swapped MLS jerseys, celebrating their shared Argentine heritage and experiences in the 2022 World Cup.
“I simply exchange with whoever happens to be there at that moment,” Messi conveyed to the Miami Herald in August, shortly before the Leagues Cup final.
“I’ve had the opportunity to play against teams with Argentine players and usually we exchange jerseys, but I’ve also swapped jerseys with players in Europe, players I was acquainted with before… it’s always pleasant to exchange jerseys with friends or players I know.”
Instead of Messi jersey swap Italian legend Chiellini captures a moment with his kids and Messi:
The Price of a Messi Jersey
The allure surrounding a Messi jersey extends beyond the soccer community. A swap with Messi can bring a spotlight, sometimes unwelcomed. Such was the case for a star whose career faced jeopardy, all for the desire to gift Messi’s jersey to his son.
Messi’s Prized Possessions
Besides the jerseys collected from swaps, Messi’s personal collection is a treasure trove reflecting the rich history and diverse talents within the soccer world. Though much of his collection remains private, each jersey tells a story, encapsulating the mutual respect and enduring friendships forged on the soccer field.
Lionel Messi’s personal jersey collection is a reflection of his storied career and the esteemed colleagues he’s encountered on the pitch. His collection includes jerseys from soccer luminaries like Francesco Totti, Diego Milito, Philipp Lahm, Yaya Toure, and Sergio Aguero. Remarkably, Messi’s collection transcends rivalries, featuring jerseys from Iker Casillas and Raul, showcasing the mutual respect shared among these athletes irrespective of team allegiances. Each jersey in Messi’s collection tells a unique story of camaraderie and respect, embodying the spirit of sportsmanship that transcends the competitive nature of soccer.
Messi Jersey Swaps at Inter Miami
In encounters with Messi, these lucky players were able to exchange their Inter Miami jerseys for his, as chronicled by mlssoccer.com, under the comprehensive oversight of Major League Soccer.
| Recipient(s) | Date | Result | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carlos Rotondi, Augusto Lotti | July 21 | 2-1 win | Leagues Cup |
| Thiago Almada | July 25 | 4-0 win | Leagues Cup |
| Martín Ojeda, Rafael Santos | Aug. 2 | 3-1 win | Leagues Cup |
| Alan Velasco | Aug. 6 | 4-4 draw (5-3 PKs win) | Leagues Cup |
| Harrison Afful | Aug. 11 | 4-0 win | Leagues Cup |
| Julián Carranza | Aug. 15 | 4-1 win | Leagues Cup |
| Dax McCarty | Aug. 19 | 1-1 draw (10-9 PKs win) | Leagues Cup |
| Luciano Acosta | Aug. 23 | 3-3 draw (5-4 PKs win) | US Open Cup |
| John McCarthy | Sept. 3 | 3-1 win | MLS |
Lionel Messi’s jersey swaps are a testament to his status in the soccer community and the enduring legacy he continues to build with every game. Through these exchanges, Messi doesn’t just share a piece of fabric; he shares a piece of soccer history.
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