World Cup Stars Messi and Yamal Lead Sports Cards Auction

Ahead of next month's World Cup in North America sports cards featuring footballers Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal were among the top sales at Heritage Auctions' latest Spring Sports Catalog auction.

A 2015 Panini Flawless Sole Of The Game Signatures-Gold Lionel Messi card sold for $549,000. It pairs a match-used boot relic with Messi’s on-card autograph and comes from the inaugural year of Panini’s premium Flawless line. Additionally, its serial number matches Messi’s iconic No. 10 shirt number.

Growing demand for elite soccer cards also was also shown by a 2023 Donruss FIFA Lamine Yamal Optic-Gold Power card that made $219,600. It represents one of the earliest premium issues featuring the FC Barcelona and Spain star, dating to the 2023 release cycle when he emerged on the global stage. It is one of fewer than 10 premier Yamal cards. 

The top sale was a 2013 Bowman Chrome Draft Picks & Prospects Aaron Judge Superfractor which eventually went for $838,750, more than doubling the pre-auction estimate. The card captures Judge at the beginning of his professional career after he was selected by the New York Yankees in the first round of the 2013 MLB Draft.

“Cards from the start of any superstar’s career always are in exceptionally high demand, and that certainly is the case for this card, which drew nearly 50 bids,” said Chris Ivy, Heritage’s Director of Sports Auctions.

Other highlights included:

• a 1997 Metal Universe Championship Kobe Bryant Precious Metal Gems ($640,500), the card’s serial number matching Bryant’s first jersey number
• a 1955 Topps Jackie Robinson ($524,600)
• a 1933 Goudey Babe Ruth ($463,600)
• A 1986 Fleer Michael Jordan Rookie #57 PSA Gem Mint 10: $341,600
• a 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle ($207,400)