2006 Panini World Cup Germany-Sticker #185 Lionel Messi PSA 9

2006 Panini World Cup Germany Sticker #185 Lionel Messi PSA 9 - A Stunning Early High Grade of a World Cup Legend

This sticker marks a pivotal milestone in football history: Lionel Messi’s first World Cup appearance. Just 18 years old at the time, Messi entered the 2006 tournament as Argentina’s youngest player, a prodigy carrying immense promise. Though he made limited appearances, including scoring a goal against Serbia and Montenegro, the stage was set. This was the moment when Messi’s legend began to unfold on football’s grandest platform, and this sticker captures him in that historic debut moment on the global stage.

Graded PSA 9, this example of Messi’s first World Cup sticker remains one of the most recognizable and sought-after modern-era collectibles. With clean edges, sharp corners, and bold image quality, this copy presents superbly. These stickers were originally intended for albums and were often handled casually, making high-grade examples like this especially desirable among serious collectors. It’s an essential piece for anyone tracking Messi’s evolution from La Masia graduate to international icon.

An early and iconic collectible from the beginning of Messi’s World Cup journey, this sticker represents the launchpad for a career that would span five World Cups, redefine the sport, and end with a golden trophy in 2022. A foundational piece of GOAT-level collecting.