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We have been receiving many requests to expand into soccer cards… so what better way to “kick it off” than with the best soccer player on earth! Keep reading to learn which Lionel Messi rookie cards are ideal for your sports card investment portfolio.
The skills of Argentine playmaker Lionel Messi (06/24/87) are legendary, even as he enters his 18th season as the talisman for Barcelona.
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A clear leader on the pitch, he helped his team to an incredible four UEFA Champions League wins (2005/06, 2008/09, 2010/11, 2014/15) and could add another European Cup or two before he calls time on his career. It’s hard to put his talent into words, with every superlative worn out many years ago.
Messi is insanely popular worldwide, with 230m social media followers in 2019, or almost double the number of LeBron James (121m).
But what are the best Messi rookie card options, and what’s the outlook for the next few years? Here’s everything you need to know.
Without further delay, let’s check out the top-rated Lionel Messi rookie cards for investment purposes.
2004 Lionel Messi Mundi Cromo Sport Las Fichas de la Liga #617 (buy on eBay)
The pick of the bunch when it comes to collectibles featuring the diminutive forward, the 2004 Mundi Cromo Liga Soccer is the perfect rookie Messi option.
The action shot features the player in full motion with the ball at his feet, likely producing a moment of magic against an unsuspecting defender.
As he played for Barca B at the time, there’s the bonus of no sponsor on the kit, and it’s one of the more affordable Mundi Cromo cards overall.
2004 Panini Mega Cracks Lionel Messi #71 (buy on eBay)
One of the rarest rookie cards on the market, the Mega Cracks features an image of Messi dribbling in an old-school Barca kit.
The card shot up in value recently, especially as we get closer to his inevitable retirement.
There’s no signature, but it’s the most popular Messi rookie card for many collectors.
As always, be on the lookout for versions that have earned a high grade.
2004 Lionel Messi UK Traditions Football World Stars (buy on eBay)
A complete departure from the style of the first two cards, this RC from the UK features a large close-up image of Messi.
There’s no Barca kit to speak of, and it notes his team like Argentina.
If you can get past the lack of club colors, it’s a solid investment option and a reminder of Messi’s many dorky haircuts before settling on something more traditional.
It’s also the most affordable card on our list, so it’s worth checking out.
Best Lionel Messi Rookie Sticker
This sticker is worth looking at for collectors looking to invest in something a little different.
2004 Panini Este Sticker Lionel Messi
This sticker is quite rare; thus, despite not having an autograph or other unique features, it can still command a high price. It shows Messi running with the ball at his feet on the left side of the card, next to a portrait of the man himself on the opposite side.
The Barcelona FC shield is displayed prominently on the bottom right.
Buyers Guide & Investment Outlook
Investment Rating: Buy (4.4 out of 5)
Ownership Disclosure: None
Best Lionel Messi Rookie Card: 2004 Panini Mega Cracks Lionel Messi #71
As he enters the twilight of his career, the forward still has enough talent to scare any defender in the world. His impact on the game has been astronomical, but time is slowly running out.
After winning the Ballon d’Or for a record-breaking sixth time in 2019, Messi admitted, “I’m aware of how old I am, and I enjoy these moments so much because I know that retirement is approaching. Time flies.“
He’s right.
In the here and now, almost any piece of Messi memorabilia is coveted by soccer fans due to his sheer number of admirers. His retirement will be felt by fans worldwide, while most would probably like to own a piece of history in the form of his RCs. One question mark remains when he’s compared to former rival Cristiano Ronaldo.
Messi has always struggled on the international stage with Argentina, failing to reproduce the dominant displays that led to success in La Liga and Europe.
Regardless, his rookie cards are costly compared to most other soccer players. They’re likely to keep increasing in value as he extends various club and league records in the future.
CTA – You don’t have to be a Barca fan to understand the commercial power Lionel Messi wields. It directly correlates to his time spent as the biggest name in the sport, while the soccer card market continues to grow each year.
If you’re getting started in the hobby, here are some of the best sports cards to buy right now. For more investment tips, here’s a list with five rookie cards that could double in price in 2020.
Let us know what you think of Messi’s rookie cards in the comments section below!