RATED EXCELLENT ON TRUST PILOT | PAY IN 4 WITH CLEARPAY | WORLDWIDE SHIPPING
RATED EXCELLENT ON TRUST PILOT | PAY IN 4 WITH CLEARPAY | WORLDWIDE SHIPPING
by Mike Maxwell October 06, 2024 3 min read
Lionel Messi’s career is the stuff of legend, but it’s not just the goals, the trophies, or the records that tell his story—it’s also the shirts he wore along the way. From his early days at Barcelona, to his dramatic departure, and culminating in his crowning moment at the 2022 World Cup with Argentina, each shirt represents a chapter in Messi’s journey.
Here’s a look at some of Messi’s most iconic shirts—shirts that have come to symbolise moments of magic and heartbreak. Whether you're a collector or just a fan of the beautiful game, these are the shirts that every Messi fan should have in their collection.
It all began with this one. The 2004–2005 Barcelona home kit, worn by a 17-year-old Messi making his first-team debut. With those bold red and blue stripes, this shirt marks the start of Messi's rise from a La Masia prodigy to a global superstar. For collectors, this is where Messi's story truly begins, and having this shirt is like owning the first page of a best-selling novel.
Next up, the 2011 Champions League final—a game that cemented Messi’s place in footballing folklore. The Barcelona kit from that year, with its slick design, became iconic as Messi put on a masterclass against Manchester United, helping Barça to a 3-1 victory. Messi’s goal in that final was the perfect embodiment of what made him great: control, composure, and a clinical finish. If you want a shirt that screams “Messi at his peak,” this is the one.
For Argentina fans, the 2014 World Cup was a tournament of dreams and heartbreak. Messi came within touching distance of the ultimate prize, but it wasn’t to be. Still, the Argentina kit he wore during that run became iconic, with Messi winning the Golden Ball as the best player in the tournament. For many, this shirt represents not just Messi’s brilliance but also his resilience on the world stage.
Lionel Messi's last game for Barcelona against Celta Vigo in 2020-21.
Messi’s final season in a Barcelona shirt was emotional for fans across the world. The 2020–2021 kit, marking the end of his time at the club after nearly 20 years, is more than just a football shirt—it’s a symbol of the end of an era. For those who followed his journey at Barcelona from the start, this is a must-have.
Lionel Messi winning the World Cup
And then there’s the one that tops them all: the 2022 Argentina World Cup shirt. Messi’s triumph in Qatar was the crowning achievement of an extraordinary career. After years of near misses, Messi finally lifted the World Cup trophy, cementing his status as the greatest of all time. This shirt has already gone down as one of the most famous in football history, and for good reason—it’s the shirt Messi wore when he completed football.
At Football Shirt Collective, we don’t just sell shirts—we sell history. Our collection of authentic Lionel Messi shirts includes some of the most iconic kits from his career, all 100% genuine and fully authenticated. With fakes flooding the market, we guarantee you’re getting the real deal, with detailed photos for transparency. Whether it’s his 2004 Barcelona debut or his 2022 World Cup-winning shirt, these shirts are more than just pieces of fabric—they're pieces of Messi’s incredible legacy.
Shop the Lionel Messi Collection here and bring home a slice of football history.
Mike is the founder FSC in 2012, and grew it from a blog, to the marketplace it is today. Alongside the day to day running of the business, Mike is always on the look out for new vintage shirts and modern classics to add to our store!
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