Messi-Signed Shirt and Shakira Outfits Set for Auction

Memorable items from the World Cup are set to go under the hammer, with an online charity auction offering a Lionel Messi-signed shirt, the ball used in the final and outfits worn by Colombian pop star Shakira among the highlights.

The auction, organised by New York-based auction house Christie’s, was announced on Tuesday. It will begin on 22 July and run for one week, with proceeds from the sales earmarked for improving children’s education around the world.

The initiative is part of a wider campaign seeking to raise $100 million for children’s education during the World Cup. The One Goal Charity Auction, organised in partnership with FIFA and Global Citizen, is putting more than 40 tournament-related items up for sale.

The collection includes clothing worn by prominent performers, signed football shirts and official match balls. With items connected to both the sporting and entertainment sides of the tournament, the auction is expected to attract interest from football supporters, music fans and collectors of sporting memorabilia.

One of the items that has already attracted a high level of interest is the shirt worn by BTS singer Jimin during the tournament’s final half-time performance. The shirt is among the most sought-after pieces in the auction, reflecting the growing connection between major sporting events and global entertainment.

The ball used during the final on 19 July is also among the lots. It carries a starting price of $15,000 and is expected to sell for around twice that amount. The inclusion of the official match ball gives collectors an opportunity to acquire a physical memento directly associated with one of the tournament’s most significant fixtures.

Shakira’s outfits are also expected to be major attractions. One of the most notable pieces is the yellow crop top and trousers she wore in the music video for ‘Dai Dai’, the official song of the 2026 World Cup. The Colombian singer’s involvement adds a strong entertainment dimension to an auction otherwise centred on football memorabilia.

A shirt signed by members of the United States men’s national team will also be offered to bidders. Signed shirts remain among the most recognisable forms of sports memorabilia, particularly when they are linked to a major international tournament.

Another Shakira outfit is set to be auctioned after being worn during the World Cup final’s half-time show. The 11-minute spectacle is being staged for the first time as part of the final, with Shakira scheduled to share the high-profile event with Madonna, Justin Bieber and South Korean group BTS.

The auction brings together some of the most recognisable names in football and popular culture, turning objects associated with the tournament into fundraising opportunities. By directing the proceeds towards children’s education, the organisers are seeking to use the global reach of the World Cup to support a cause beyond the pitch.

For collectors, the sale offers access to rare sporting and entertainment memorabilia. For the organisers, it represents an opportunity to convert the worldwide attention surrounding football’s biggest tournament into financial support for children’s education.