Lionel Messi's MLS card fetches record $111,000 as Argentina wins friendly without him
A one‑of‑a‑one Topps Now MLS trading card featuring Lionel Messi and NBA star Stephen Curry sold at auction for $111,057, the highest price ever paid for an MLS collectible. The sale underscores Messi’s growing commercial pull in the United States since joining Inter Miami, where he has recorded 12 goals and eight assists in 14 matches.
Ahead of the 2026 World Cup, Argentina beat Honduras 2‑0 in a friendly at Kyle Field in Texas. Messi remained on the bench while still recovering from a minor hamstring issue. Lautaro Martínez opened scoring with a penalty, and Giuliano Simeone added the second. Coach Lionel Scaloni used the match to assess squad depth, noting strong team cohesion and the ability to dominate possession even without their captain.
Both developments highlight Argentina’s preparation for the upcoming World Cup and the expanding market value of Messi’s brand in North America.