Lionel Messi
8-time Ballon d'Or Winner, World Cup Champion, and widely considered the greatest footballer of all time · Soccer / Football - International & League
FC Barcelona / Argentina National Team
Era
Early career 2005-2008 phase; specifically matches the 2006-2007 era
Item Type
FC Barcelona Away Jersey (2006-2007)
Condition
Excellent; the autograph is clear with minimal fading or bleeding. The jersey shows typical slight creasing of the numbering but appears well-preserved.
Rarity
Moderately rare; while Messi signs frequently now, authentic early-career signatures on his original #19 shirts are much harder to find than modern #10 or Inter Miami examples.
Overall Assessment
A highly desirable early-career specimen on a period-correct jersey. The combination of the #19 number and the vertical 'Leo' signature makes this a premium collector's piece.
Authenticity Assessment
Likely authentic - the signature exhibits the fluid, vertical, and elongated 'Leo' characteristic of his early career with appropriate ink absorption on jersey vinyl.
Signature Style
Early career 'Leo' style; a more vertical and legible rendering compared to his modern rapidly-applied 'scribble' style. It features the distinctive loop for the 'L' and a descending flourish.
Signature Characteristics
Consistent verticality; the 'L' starts with a baseline loop; 'e' and 'o' are condensed; the terminal stroke is a long descending diagonal line characteristic of his 2006-07 hand.
Ink & Medium
Black permanent marker (likely Sharpie) on vinyl heat-pressed jersey numbering.
Item Description
2006-2007 FC Barcelona Nike away jersey (orange/fluorescent yellow theme visible in side panels) featuring the name 'MESSI' and number '19'. This was the era before he took the number 10 from Ronaldinho.
Estimated Value
$1,500 - $3,500 USD (higher with COA from Icons or Beckett/PSA; early #19 items carry a premium due to rarity).
Comparison to Known Examples
Closely matches verified 2006-2007 exemplars. Modern Messi signatures are flatter and wider; this taller, thinner style is historically accurate for the jersey era.
Authentication Tips
Look for the sharp, fluid upward stroke of the 'L'. In this era, he often signed 'Leo' rather than the abstract 'M' shape used today. Check for 'hesitation marks' which would indicate a slow-speed forgery.
Certification Recommendation
Beckett (BAS), PSA/DNA, or James Spence (JSA). Icons Shop Ltd is the gold standard for Messi's private signings if a hologram is present.
Red Flags
No significant red flags observed. The placement is typical for player-signed kits and the ink flow suggests natural speed.
Provenance Notes
Valuable documentation would include a 'Certificate of Authenticity' from a reputable UK-based or Spanish source, as many early kits were signed in person at the Camp Nou or via early Icons sessions.
Historical Context
Signed during Messi's breakthrough years when he was established as a wonderkid but had not yet reached his goal-scoring peak or inherited the #10 jersey.
Market Trends
Significantly appreciating. Following his 2022 World Cup win, all early-period (Barcelona #30 and #19) memorabilia has seen a 40-60% value increase.
Investment Potential
High. As the most decorated player in history, his early-career items are essentially the 'Blue Chip' stocks of the sports memorabilia world.
Similar Autographs
Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United early era), Ronaldinho (Barcelona era), and Diego Maradona.
Display & Preservation
Should be UV-protected and framed in a deep shadowbox to prevent the glass from touching the signature, which can cause 'lifting' of the autograph over time.
Interesting Facts
Messi changed his signature around 2014-2015 to be much more efficient. Collectors specifically seek out these 'Early Leos' because they look more like a name than a logo.